HIGHWORTH Town were dumped out of the FA Cup following 5-1 defeat at Havant and Waterlooville.

The game was immediately an uphill battle for Jeff Roberts’ side as they conceded twice in the opening 12 minutes.

Matt Paterson put the hosts ahead when he gambled on the Highworth defence making a mistake before looping the ball over Max Schofield.

The second followed shortly afterwards when Ryan Woodford was picked out at the back post by Ben Swallow.

Despite the heavy defeat, manager Roberts was happy with how his side applied themselves throughout the game, especially after going 3-0 down in the second half.

“We conceded very early on. We were 2-0 down within 12 minutes but the lads kept battling,” said the Highworth manager.

“We held them up for another 30 minutes. We came out in the second half and had a good go at them.

“We conceded a penalty, which made it 3-0, then we got one back ourselves.”

After the third, Highworth hit back when Ash Edenborough converted from the penalty spot but it would prove too much as Havant killed the game off by getting a quick double late on. Roberts believes the scoreline flattered the hosts and that his side could have got back into the game while it was still at 3-1.

“If we’d have taken out chances, I think it would have been a bit different. We had three or four good opportunities and we should have got back in really,” added Roberts.

“If we’d have got back in it then I think it would have rattled them a little bit. They scored their fourth and their fifth in the 88th and 90th minutes where we got caught.”

Edenborough marked his return from injury with a goal from the bench and Roberts will now concentrate his efforts on the league.

The manager added: “He had a good 25 minutes and he thinks he’s fit enough to start. It’s good because it means we now have quality on the bench and have players who can possibly change the game for us.

“The difference between the two sides is we wanted to take two or three touches before having a shot, whereas they were a lot quicker.

“I was happy with how we played but they took the chances that were given to them and we didn’t take ours. We worked hard and gave them a good run.

“Fair play to the boys, they dug deep and made Havant work hard for the victory in the end. They had to work for it and we couldn’t ask for any more.”