WHITCHURCH United boss Carl Bennett was left bitterly disappointed with his players after his side lost their crunch Wessex League Premier Division relegation battle at home to Fawley 3-1 last Saturday.

Bennett said: “I had the strongest team on paper I have have this season, but my players had no desire.

"The management team felt let down for the players I thought they were up for the game and then in 75 seconds we were a goal down.”

Whitchurch now will have have to hope Cowes Sports lose 3-0 on Saturday and they win 6-0 at Hamworthy to avoid the drop, which seems unlikely.

Bennett added: “We could still do it, but it going to be a tough ask and I will miss the game as I am best man at my brother’s wedding. I really hope the boys end the season with a win.

“It looks like we will be relegated and I am ready for that. We will do all I can to make sure we are promoted back at the first attempt if we go down."

In Saturday's crunch game, Whitchurch never found a way back after Fawley scored in the opening minute.

The south coast then scored a second to double their advantage by the break.

Whitchurch tried to get themselves back in the game and brought on player maker Jack McCarthy, but three minutes later he was shown a red card.

This was after he was crudely fouled and got up, but was pushed over by the Fawley in a hail of abuse. McCarthy replied with the same language, which the referee heard and dismissed him.

The Fawley player was lucky to get just a yellow card.

The 10 men Jam Boys went further behind on 81 minutes, before Sam McCarthy scored a consolation goal in added on time.