EP crash out despite ‘best display of the season’

EP switched off twice in the opening 15 minutes from two corners, and then, despite dominating the match failed to net against their Ryman League opposition.

Billy Bennett gave Chatham an early lead from a corner, and the same player doubled the lead on 15 minutes with almost a carbon copy of the first. Liam Baitup had a whole hosts of chances while Joe Shelley also could have got his side level and won the match.

Substitute Charlie Oatway – whose appearances will be limited after moving to London – on his debut, pulled a goal back on 60 minutes and had a late chance to get the visitors level.

Di Paola said: “Not wanting to sound insulting but I felt they were really poor. We had so many chances and battered them for 80 of the 90 minutes, but switched off from a set piece and again from another set piece.

“It was really disappointing as we had so many chances and the ones we had were ridiculous.

“It was one of those days. It’s annoying, what is more annoying is they have Whyteleafe now in the next round and will probably go and win there.

“We were really, really good, but then again we did not deserve to go through as we did not take our chances – it was probably the best we have this year, so it’s really frustrating.”