But rather than cry over spilt milk, Maw said the club would use the second half of the season to prime themselves for a tilt at the Cup.

“We're a bit far off the pace for the league, so we have to aim for the finals now,” he said.

“We're still managing a few injuries, we'll likely have a few of those come back in through the reserves.

“We just have to stay in the top and keep ourselves as fit as we can through the next part of the season.”

Injuries to key players Campbell Taylor, Dan Milynn and Dan Kelly have disrupted City's season. 

While it has been a frustrating setback, Maw said there had been a silver lining.

“A number of our younger guys have proven themselves at the level,” he said.

“At the start of the season there were probably 11 or 12 who were in line for a senior spot, that's blown out to 18 or so.

“Our young players have held their own.”