CHRISTCHURCH exited the FA Vase after suffering a catalogue of disaster against Western League Division One table-toppers Westbury United.

The second qualifying round tie at Meadow Lane started promisingly for Priory after goals from Jon Blake and Max Wilcock saw them go 2-0 ahead inside 16 minutes.

However, after goalkeeper Max Frampton had succumbed to a groin injury midway through the first half, it all started to go pear shaped for the visitors.

Westbury netted twice after half-time, their second goal coming from a free-kick which saw Christchurch captain Dave Legg sent off for a second bookable offence.

Priory, who also lost Andy Masson to injury in the 55th minute, were further rocked at the start of extra-time when Blake received a nasty cut above his eye during an aerial challenge.

Westbury made their numerical advantage pay by netting three times against the 10 men to book their place in the first round and pocket £725 in prize money.

Christchurch boss Ollie Cherrett, who described Westbury's pitch as "a ploughed field with grass on", also felt Blake had been the victim of a "deliberate elbow".

Midfielder Blake headed straight to accident and emergency after the Priory coach had returned to Dorset and required six stitches.

Cherrett added: "The lads were brilliant and I was proud of the effort put in.

"But we fell short against a physically strong and direct Westbury side. After a busy few weeks and with injuries galore, we ran out of legs.

"Our focus will turn to Saturday at AFC Stoneham and have a full week's rest for first time this season. Hopefully, we can get one or two back."