BATTLING BAT left Kingstonian's Kingsmeadow ground with their heads held high after bowing out of the third round of the FA Vase 1-0 to cup favourites AFC Wimbledon.

Dons' Gavin Bolger thumped home their winner from the edge of the penalty area in the 36th minute but BAT's Paul West was desperately unlucky not to net a second-half equaliser when his shot rolled inches wide of the upright.

"From the first minute to the last minute, we were absolutely magnificent today and I couldn't be more proud of every single one of my players," purred BAT boss Andy Leader.

"Wimbledon are a great side and if they go on to win the competition then good luck to them but I'm very disappointed that we're not to be coming back here for a replay.

"We could have sneaked a draw, we had three chances to clear the ball before they scored and we had the best chance of the second half when Westie rolled the ball just the wrong side of the post.

"Every single one of them was magnificent and they came off the pitch to a standing ovation from a crowd of 3,000. They were an absolute credit to the Wessex League.

"It's been a magnificent occasion to play in front of a crowd like that and I don't say this too often but there was honour in defeat today," added Leader.