CHESHAM recorded their first league clean sheet away from home in 27 attempts after heart-to-heart talks with manager Steve Bateman.

The players notched a 1-0 win at Banbury on Saturday as they responded to last week's shock FA Cup exit at home to lower league Brackley.

Bateman revealed: "We talked about the FA Cup game during the week. I probably talked for about 30 or 40 minutes and we had an open discussion about what had gone wrong.

"It wasn't me doing all the talking. The players were at a loss as to why they weren't showing the same kind of appetite as they had in previous games.

"A lot was said and to be fair they responded in the only way they know how and fully deserved a more comprehensive result.

"It was evident from the warm up to going out for the game. A couple of players ran themselves into the ground."

It was United's first 1-0 away win in the league in 50 attempts and came courtesy of Gary Sippetts' 60th minute strike.

Bateman admitted it was the perfect pick-me-up after the previous week when the players and management staff come under some heavy flak from some sections of the home crowd.

Bateman added: "There's been a fair amount of stick flying about, some of it justified and some of it not.

"Some people accused the players of not caring but it couldn't be further from the truth.

"Sometimes you do look at it and take it personally because ultimately I am responsible for the players on the pitch and I will defend them."

The United boss is hoping to spy on next Tuesday's opponents and league leaders Salisbury when they travel to Yate for today's FA Cup game.

A draw would see that game being replayed on Tuesday and cause the postponement of the Chesham fixture although Bateman is hoping that doesn't happen.

He added: "We are capable of beating them. We have certainly got to improve our home form. They'll be coming to us on a weekday which won't be easy for them and let's hope come 9.45pm we can be feeling very satisfied."