It's all over for Fairford Town who lose in the FA Vase (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

It's all over for Fairford Town who lose in the FA Vase

FAIRFORD Town hopes of progressing to round three of the FA Vase were dashed in a 1-3 defeat at the home of Bitton on Saturday.

In a disappointing first half, the visitors trailed 0-1 at the break through a 25th-minute goal from Hexley.

Nonetheless, despite having to field a team minus several regulars and with Fairford manager Mark Webb forced to include himself in the named squad of 14, the Cinder Lane returned to the action after the break with renewed vigour.

In a much better period of play, Fairford created enough good chances to have taken the lead, all of which were unfortunately wasted.

And when Cole converted a penalty for Bitton on 73 minutes, their opponents were left with a mountain to climb.

Nonetheless, when Lee Clark reduced the deficit to 1-2 seven minutes later, Fairford were still in with a shout.

"The way it was looking," Webb said, "I seriously thought we had more than a reasonable chance of taking the tie into extra time."

In the end, when Bitton's third goal hit the back of the Fairford net just a minute from time, Webb accepted that is was all over.

He explained, "I know we have played better, but had anyone of our chances gone in, it would have been a different story."

He continued, "I've got few complaints but, considering the difficulty of our circumstances, I think my players at least make a game of it.

"But we gave away a penalty at a crucial time and paid the ultimate price."

Fairford Town, who were due to play a Hellenic Premier game at Pewsey Vale on Wednesday evening, have another league fixture this weekend when they visit Shortwood United on Saturday, 3pm ko.