BROCKENHURST manager Pat McManus told his players to hold their heads high despite a dispiriting finish to their FA Cup adventure.

The Badgers equalled their best run in the competition but could not muster a push into new territory in Saturday’s 5-1 reverse to National South side Wealdstone.

McManus felt the final reckoning had not done justice to his side’s efforts with two of the visitors’ goals arriving in added time.

“We were a bit deflated because I didn’t think the score was a fair reflection,” said the boss.

“It was a monumental effort from our boys, I’m just disappointed with the scoreline and the nature of the goals at the end. Even the Wealdstone manager said we didn’t deserve to lose 5-1.”

He added: “The lads are down, but I told them to be proud of themselves. We had a great time getting here and they shouldn’t let the way the game finished detract from that.”

Mark Barker gave Brock hope of an upset three minutes before half-time by cancelling out Wealdstone’s opener but matters ran away from the New Forest outfit during the second half.

Brock: Maher, Nwachukwu, Masterton, Smith, Hayter, Vokes (Richards, 80), R Long (Williams, 84), J Long, Joyce, Casey (Jack, 70), Barker. Unused subs: Cuss, Burrows, Cherrett, Sim (g/k).