United lose to Christchurch in FA Vase

Having been just 10 minutes from a place in the first round proper, United missed out on the £900 prize money, and Wessex League, Bournemouth-based Christchurch progressed.

United manager Dominic Di Paola said: “They’re a good side and had some very good players. Both goals could have been prevented, they were both our mistakes, but although it’s a nice competition to be involved in, we’re never going to win the Vase, so the league is our priority, anyway. We started well but they showed their quality and perhaps tiredness crept in at the end.”

United had gone ahead through Paul Young’s close-range finish in the 10th minute, and had several chances to extend the lead.

Aaron Meehan headed wide, Joe Stokes saw his effort saved and Joe Shelley went close in United’s bright start and they held out until Paul Rideout’s penalty, after a Danny Hand foul, brought Christchurch level on 80 minutes.

Dan Crutchley’s strike five minutes later clinched Christchurch’s place in the next round, which will see them travel to United’s near neighbours, Lancing.

United host division-higher Arundel in the John O’Hara Cup first round on Saturday.

WORTHING UNITED: Phillips; M.Hand, D.Hand, Young, Biggs; Shelley, Meehan, Rayner, Nicholson; Shiel, Ghent. Subs: S.Di Paola (Meehan 60), Jones, Francis (Shiel, Ghent 70), P.Proto.