FC CLACTON stalwart Kyelan Marvell admitted his side were architects of their own downfall after crashing out of the FA Vase.

The Seasiders had battled into the third-round proper and were hoping to reach the next stage for only the third time in their history.

However, their run came to an abrupt halt after losing 2-1 to Spartan South Midlands League side Eynesbury Rovers at the Austin Arena on Saturday.

Chris Lewis and Jordan Brown were on target for the visitors, with Chris Ribchester's injury-time strike proving scant consolation as the Cambridgeshire side advanced to the last 32.

Marvell, who was captain on the day, admitted it was tough to take and was disappointed by his side's performance.

"The manner that we lost was tough to take," said the long-serving midfielder.

"Eynesbury worked harder than us and deserved to win.

"It's one thing playing well and losing to a better side. When that happens you have to say 'fair enough'.

"But to be outworked and not play to the best of our ability was really frustrating.

"We should have made life hard for them but instead played into their hands.

"The plan had been to play the ball into good areas and into the channels but too often we went long, straight down the middle, and it was easy for their centre-halves.

"They soaked everything up, kept heading it away and kept winning second balls, too.

"Eynesbury didn't look like scoring or hurting us but both their goals came from our mistakes.

"It was such a shame, having had such a great Vase run.

"We felt this was a good opportunity to push on and get into the next round but unfortunately it wasn't to be."

Clacton must now switch their attention back to the Thurlow Nunn League - starting with Saturday's trip to Gorleston.

They are sixth in the premier division with games in hand on the top four.

Only Stanway Rovers, in fifth, have played less.

"We have to learn from what happened and focus on the league now," added Marvell.

"We're having a very good season, despite this result, and if we win our games in hand we'll be second or third in the table.

"That's what we're aiming for and we've got to keep working hard and playing as we know we're capable.

"We haven't become a bad side because of one result.

"You're not going to win every game and there will be ups and downs during any season.

"But it's about how we respond now and we have to stay focused, because the next three games are going to be tough.

"We want to have a good run between now and Christmas."