WINLESS Downton bowed out of the FA Vase at the first qualifying round to a tenacious Swanage and Herston.

The Robins, whose win drought stretched to five games in all competitions after Saturday’s defeat, were closed down from the start, breaking up their play.

A disjointed first half display from the visitors meant they trailed at the break by a single goal, being converted following a goalmouth scramble from a corner.

In a measured approach to salvage the tie, Downton stuck three strikers into attack, which left gaping holes in defence.

And they were exposed midway through the second half to round off an “unacceptable” 2-0 defeat.

“The majority of my players may as well remained on the bus,” fuming boss Colin Hopkins, pictured, reflected.

“We could not have prepared better for this game and I will not accept any of my players giving less than 100 per cent, it’s one thing to lose football matches because the opposition has more class but to lose because of lack of effort is unacceptable.

“Ben Smith was the oldest Downton player on the pitch and man of the match. And if more of his teammates put in as much effort as he did, I'm confident the result would have been much different but they didn't and some of them will have to show massive improvements to remain in the squad.”

Downton welcome East Cowes Victoria to Wick Lane on Saturday (3pm) as they search for their inaugural three points in Sydenhams Football League (Wessex) Division One.