Hawks will be 'hurting' after being stunned by eighth-tier Marine FC

But the current Gosport Borough boss says Paul Doswell's side must look forward as they look to mount a National League South title push.

Niall Cummins' last-gasp 120th-minute effort fired Merseysiders Marine to a surprise 1-0 second round triumph after extra-time against the Hawks.

Doswell's side, who had captain Anthony Straker sent-off on 88 minutes, were well below their best.

The game was sure to have brought back memories for Gale, who managed the Hawks the last time they played a fixture in Liverpool.

On that occasion, they also suffered a defeat - losing 5-2 - albeit against the might of nearby Premier League giants in a fourth round tie at Anfield after twice taking the lead.

Having managed the team that day, Gale is fully aware of what could have awaited the Hawks in round three.

And the former boss of the Westleigh Park side feels they missed out on a great opportunity.

‘They’ll be disappointed but they’ll move on quickly, I’m sure,' said Gale.

‘It’s a shame because those opportunities don’t come along that often and they’ll feel it’s a missed opportunity.

‘Having said that, they’ll see it as an opportunity to get onto their league campaign where they’re looking to get promoted.

‘The disappointment will soon go away, I’m sure, you can’t do anything about it, you can’t bring it back. You’ve got to move forward and get on the front foot.'

Hawks' run to the second round helped the club collect £94,472 through competition prize money and broadcast fees with the Marine tie shown on BT Sport.But that figure could have been much higher had they landed a plum third round draw.

Yet, Gale, who knows club chairman Derek Pope and board members from his time at the club, believes the funds will be very welcome amid the coronavirus pandemic.

‘Their cup run this season is a bonus, it’s extra revenue they haven’t budgeted for that they’ve earned but that disappointment will still be there,' added the former Hawks boss.

‘I wish them all the best, it’s a great club, I had a great time there and I would have loved to have seen them get to the third round and hopefully get a plum draw.’