IF Saturday’s draw had given 1874 Northwich hope of causing an FA Cup upset, it quickly vanished during the first half of last night’s replay.

Manager Ian Street admitted the evening had started badly even before referee Scott Sinclair blew his whistle for kick off.

“The start killed us,” he said.

“Our preparation wasn’t good enough, and it disrupted everything that followed.

“You can’t afford to be like that against poor sides, never mind a decent one.

“They taught us a lesson in how to approach a game like this, and we’ll fall short of our targets if we don’t learn from it, and quickly.”

Goals from former 1874 front man Matthew Beadle, Ben Wharton – who converted a penalty following a mistake by Greg Hall – and Michael Morrison established a 3-0 lead for Colne inside half an hour.

Their reward is a head-to-had with Hyde in the first qualifying round.

Street told the Guardian he could take succour from an improved performance in the second half, during which Tom Bailey’s strike reduced the hosts’ arrears.

“They took their foot off the gas, as anybody would when they have a lead like that,” he said.

“I’m not stupid enough to claim otherwise, but we can be positive about how we reacted.

“When you’re way behind at half time, then you want to win the second period. We did that, and our attitude was better.

“We’re still a lot better than what we showed, but at least we can take something into our next game.

“We’re hurting, but it’s important we suck it up and put it right.”

1874 resume their campaign in the North West Counties League top flight on Saturday, when AFC Darwen visit.

Sam Hind, ruled out by a groin injury last night, hopes to recover in time to play.

Danny Thomas should return in defence too.

“We need to get better, we know that,” added Street.

“We’re still a ‘work in progress’ because of the number of new lads that have arrived since the end of last season.

“I brought those players in because I’ve got faith in them, and that’s not changed.”