BOSS Ollie Cherrett insisted his Christchurch players should be "immensely proud of their achievements" after their FA Vase adventure came to an end on Saturday.

Priory, who had reached the third round for only the fifth time in their history, bowed out after going down 1-0 at the hands of Newport at the MA Hart Stadium at Hurn Bridge.

Although Christchurch dominated for long periods, a combination of poor finishing and a man-of-the-match display from Port's veteran goalkeeper Gary Streeter led to their exit.

The tie was decided by Aurala Beya's goal after six minutes, although Priory had enough chances to have run up a cricket score, especially in the first half.

Cherrett's charges made a mockery of their Wessex One status by putting their Wessex Premier opposition to the sword, only to pay a heavy price for their profligacy.

"Had it been a boxing match, it would have been stopped after about 25 minutes," said Cherrett, whose team had earned a second qualifying round reprieve after Westbury had inadvertently fielded four substitutes against them.

"I was absolutely gutted for the lads because they did everything bar score. But goals win you games and we needed to take our chances.

"We started slowly and were sloppy for their goal but they were hanging on from then on. It was a hard one to take.

"I thought our play in the first half was outstanding. If you had watched the game and wondered which team was in the higher division, you would have thought it was us.

"You want to go as far as you can and this is a great competition.

"You can accept getting beaten by a good side a lot easier than you can losing to a team you have absolutely battered.

"I don't think they could have complained if we had gone in 5-1 up at half-time. Our chances weren't half-chances, they were all clear-cut and it was really frustrating

"Their goalkeeper has been around a long time and experience is key, especially in big games.

"He was unbelievable. In my opinion, he single-handedly got them into the next round."

James King was foiled by Streeter after he had gone through one-on-one just seconds before Beya drew first blood.

Priory created no fewer than six gilt-edged opportunities towards the end of the first period, the closest being when Jack Satterley struck the upright.

Currently second in Wessex One, Priory banked £2,825 in prize money with a return to Wessex Premier still their main aim.

"The money side of it doesn't come into it for players and managers," added Cherrett. "That's for the people at the club to deal with.

"We were the last team in Wessex One in the competition and we have to take immense pride from that. It has been a great run and the lads can look forward to the rest of the season.

"The league has always been the priority and we are in a really strong position. It is important we don't let this derail our season."

Priory tomorrow (Tuesday) visit Hamble Club in the third round of the Hampshire Senior Cup (7.45pm).

Priory: Tewkesbury, Wright, Jackson (Kirkham, 79), Senior (Robinson, 83), Douglas, Legg, Cooper (Gage, 69), Blake, Satterley, Wilcock, King. Unused subs: Turner, Frampton (g/k)