MANAGER Mark Cooper believes Windsor FC are capable of bouncing back from an "unacceptable" performance on Tuesday when they crashed 5-0 to Binfield in the Hellenic League, writes Dave Wright.

That shock result will hardly fill his side with confidence as they prepare to take on Southern Combination leaders Eastbourne Town in the second round of the FA Vase at Stag Meadow tomorrow (Saturday, 3pm).

But Cooper is expecting a positive response from his players, saying: "We have got to get over it pretty quickly and move on. As bad as we were, we can easily turn things around."

The manager, like everyone else connected with the club, could hardly believe how easily Windsor capitulated to Binfield on a night when three points would have lifted them to third place in the Premier Division standings.

They got off to a dreadful start, conceding a goal after just 72 seconds. After that, we just couldn't recover and never got going," said Cooper.

"We let them have too much time on the ball and we made bad decisions. We were poor on the ball at times.

"It was a big contrast to where we have been in the past few weeks. We have been on a good run, doing everything right – but not here. It was a bit of a wake-up call for the boys collectively.

"I was disappointed with the performance, it was just unacceptable."

Until Tuesday, Cooper had been pleased with the way things had been going, with October seeing wins overs Royal Wootton Bassett, Wantage, Lydney and Reading City, in addition to being victorious in a Floodlit Cup penalty shoot-out with Virginia Water.

"What is perhaps the most pleasing is the feeling of togetherness of the group, and what is fundamentally important to us is that we create a strong spirit within the squad, which we only get by keeping these boys together," the manager wrote in Tuesday's match programme.

Cooper will be hoping those qualities will rise to the surface in this week's FA Vase tie.

He added: "We have had a look at Eastbourne and they are a good side with some experienced players. They are on a great run."

The seasiders are unbeaten in 12 league games with 10 wins and two draws, with an impressive record of 38 goals scored and just seven conceded.

Windsor have signed utility-player Danny Horscroft from Binfield – although he wasn't involved in Tuesday's game.

Cooper commented: "It is clear we need to strengthen the squad.

"He is a decent player and we want to utilise his capabilities. Hopefully he will become a good signing for us."

Horscroft is cup tied so cannot face Eastbourne.

A couple of players sustained slight knocks against Binfield, but Cooper expects to name a full-strength side for what now becomes a very important game for the Stag Meadow club.