SHAWBURY United joint manager Stu Lewis admitted that disappointment was the overriding feeling after last weekend’s FA Vase exit at Dudley Sports.

United’s interest in the major cup competitions ended as last month’s unlucky FA Cup exit at Stourport Swifts was followed by a poor display at West Midlands Premier rivals Sports.

And Lewis felt United diverged from the gameplan as they let a potentially money-spinning Vase run slip from their grasp.

He said: “We have a young side but they have been playing well and everything was based around playing quick football.

“But on Saturday, we played how Dudley wanted us to play – we reverted to the long ball and got into a physical battle.

“They only had four shots and they beat us 3-1 – and I don’t know how it happened.”

Sports led on 16 minutes as Sam Woodhouse was found in space to slot home but Shawbury levelled as Armando Wood’s shot was handled by a Dudley defender in the area and Liam Taylor dispatched the penalty.

However, the game’s turning point arrived early in the second half as Shawbury’s Jordan Jones diverted a Dudley free-kick into his own net to give the hosts the lead for a second time.

And as Shawbury pressed for a second equaliser, Dudley broke from a United corner and Richard Nicholson’s finish sealed the hosts’ progress.

Shawbury will look to bounce back this Saturday when they resume West Midlands Premier action at leaders Black County Rangers – but face a tough test as their hosts have won six out of six in the league.

United will welcome back Joe Delacoe from suspension as well as Harvey Pearson, who missed the Vase game due to a wedding, and they also hope to have Sean Evans back from injury.

Lewis added: “They are three senior players with a lot of experience which would hopefully make a difference.

“If we turn up like we did last weekend, it will be a long day, but if we play like we can, then we can rectify last weekend’s defeat.”