Eastleigh were lambasted by assistant manager Mark Dennis for an "embarrassing performance" last night after going down to Gosport Borough in the Russell Cotes Cup final.
Despite home advantage, the Spitfires lost out 0-1 to their Wessex League opponents, who gained revenge for losing 3-1 to Eastleigh in last season's final.
A second-half goal from Neil Scammell secured Alex Pike's men the silverware, prompting Dennis' frank assessment.
"I thought it was an extremely disappointing result," he said. "I feel as guilty as the players in what was an embarrassing performance. I appeal to the supporters who paid good money to watch us tonight," said the ex-Saint, pictured above.
Gosport dominated the first half, playing five in midfield, with early efforts forcing saves from Alan Walker-Harris.
Borough boss Pike explained his side's tactics. "We felt the midfield was key so we looked to swamp it with a 4-5-1 formation. And to a degree it worked, with Simon Stone and Kevin Gill playing particularly well.
"We signalled our intentions early in the first half and made several chances."
However, it was level at the interval after a strong defensive display by Eastleigh.
Dave Town was brought on at half-time and had several good chances saved by the visitors' Mark Brown early in the half. Gosport, too, had their moments before player-of-the-season Scammell sealed matters with a powerful header in the 72nd minute from Danny Thompson's inswinging corner.
With the battle mainly in midfield, Gosport had one scare after Scammell's goal, but keeper Brown saved well in the 87th minute to ensure no way back for Eastleigh.
l Eastleigh travel to Lewes in their next league fixture without Stuart Douglas, who is out with a twisted knee, A disconsolate Dennis added: "We leave for Lewes at 10.30am on Saturday and who knows who will be involved judging by this performance!"
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