Still reveals Hatters were battling sickness during Bury clash

The manager confirmed the problems occurred after his side’s pre-match meal as he said: “I’ve got to say this, I don’t ever make excuses but four or five players were really struggling after their pre-match meal with sickness.

“At half time it was a problem. We didn’t know what way to turn.

“(Mark Tyler), because he was in goal, could do it, but Doyley (Nathan Doyle) was really struggling.

“Scott didn’t feel great either but it is what it is.

“Until we investigate that further with the fizz (physio Simon Parsell) and Dave Richardson, I don’t really know. We’ll have to see but it’s over now.

“The boys have battled hard away from home on a difficult pitch because of how cold it is and I think we’ve done really well.”

Striker Charlie Walker admitted he had been ill too, but wasn’t sure if it down to the concussion suffered during a first half challenge.

He said: “I did throw up but the doctor wasn’t sure if it was the knocks. A few of the lads threw up before so we’re not really sure what it was.

“Regardless of who is throwing up you still want to come and win. It still hurts when you don’t.

Meanwhile, Mark Cullen praised his side’s character for overcoming the problem and remaining in the hat for the third round.

He added: “Even at half time there were a few being sick. It’s not ideal but it shows the character of the lads because you wouldn’t have been able to tell, if you were watching the game, that five or six of the lads were struggling with illness.

“It shows we’ve got good heart and we put in a good performance.”