SHOLING boss Dave Diaper felt the Boatmen showed Havant & Waterlooville “too much respect” in yesterday's 2-0 FA Cup first qualifying round defeat at a rain-drenched Universal Stadium.

Jason Prior struck once in each half to secure victory for Lee Bradbury’s Hawks, who play two leagues higher in the Ryman Premier Division.

Sholing fell behind on 13 minutes when Owen Roundell’s misplaced touch gifted the ball to George Barker. He played in ex-Saint Matt Paterson who in turn found Prior to slot past Ryan Gosney in the home goal.

The Boatmen struggled to create many clear-cut chances – their best falling to Zac Mouland whose stooping header went over the bar from five yards out.

Havant killed off the game in the 75th minute when sub Alfie Rutherford whipped a cross in from the right which Prior met with a soaring header.

Dangerman Prior could have had a hat-trick, but Gosney denied him with a smart save.

Reflecting on the defeat, Diaper said: “We gave it our best shot, but we left too much in the changing room today.

“Havant are a very good team, but we gave them too much respect first half. We stood off them and let them play too much.

“Fair play to Havant, they totally deserved the win and good luck to them in the next round.

“They moved the ball a lot quicker than we did. We dwelt on the ball too much and our passes weren’t crisp either.

“We didn’t create too many openings and that’s disappointing because normally we do, especially at home.”

Hawks boss Bradbury summed up: "It was a thoroughly professional performance against a very game Sholing outfit."

Sholing were one of five Sydenhams Premier clubs to crash out of the Cup.

Andover Town bowed out 5-0 at home to Farnborough, Bemerton Heath lost 4-0 at Basingstoke where George Hallahan hit a hat-trick, Hamworthy United came to grief 5-2 at Brislington and Moneyfields were mauled 9-0 at Chippenham Town.

There was good news though for Graham Rix’s AFC Portchester who triumphed 2-1 at Southern One South & West outfit Bideford through Joe Noakes and Steve Ramsey.

The all-Wessex tie between Alresford Town (Chris Mason, penalty) and Fareham (sub Andy Matthewson) ended 1-1 at Arlebury Park. The replay is at Cams Alders on Tuesday (7.45pm).