ROMSEY Town banged in six goals in the FA Vase this week – and still exited the competition.

After being held to a pulsating 4-4 draw by Bridport at the Bypass Ground last Saturday, Andy Samuels’ injury-hit squad lost Wednesday’s first qualifying round replay 4-2 after another thrilling contest in Dorset.

Romsey fell 2-0 down inside 14 minutes at St Mary’s Field as Richard Hebditch and Braeden Symes struck early for the hosts.

James Clifton gave the visitors hope on the half-hour before Hebditch scored again to make it 3-1 at half-time.

Again Romsey rallied with Liam Magee trimming the deficit on 50 minutes. The game remained in the balance until stoppage time when Mark Salter sealed Bridport’s passage through.

“Again the lads were terrific,” said manager Andy Samuels. “We came here tonight with a patched-up side because of injuries, picked up yet more injuries and still put in a performance like that. I’m very proud of them.

“To be 2-0 down after quarter of an hour meant we had to dig deep and, once again, the players’ attitude was outstanding.

“We got back into it but could never quite get on level terms – although at 2-1 we had a clear penalty not given which would have really tested them if we’d drawn level at that point.

“We now have to take this level of performance into our league campaign, starting on Saturday.”

Romsey visit New Milton in Sydenhams One on Saturday (3pm) before travelling to Amesbury Town on Tuesday (7.45pm).