MANAGER Ian Chalk says he takes “full responsibility” for rotating his Bemerton Heath Harlequins on Saturday but has no regrets after they bowed out of the Wiltshire Senior Cup to Wroughton Town.

Already playing 20 competitive matches this season, Chalk opted for a weaker team in the first round of the cup competition.

The tough conditions made it difficult for either side to play fluid football as the ball spent much of time in the air.

Wroughton, to their credit, adapted to the style of play a lot better than the visitors and were worthy winners 2-1 as Bemerton huffed and puffed and never really got going at all.

After the goalless first half, Bemerton went behind but equalised through Scott Joyce scoring his 11th of the season.

With the game lazily heading for extra time, Wroughton got the break they needed when the visitors failed to clear another long kick and the ball fell to a grateful centre forward who struck beyond Frampton to win the game.

Chalk was philosophical about defeat: “To lose the game is disappointing but we have to be realistic sometimes.

“We’ve had 20 games this season already so these competitions become a chance for us to play the kids and see what they’ve got. Senior players need to be rested as well. Ben Spratt, Shaun Prentice and Reece Rusher have all done ok but physically in these types of games they are often found to be a little short.

“I take full responsibility for the defeat but make no apology for changing the side. I have to look at our youth and also senior players in different positions. It didn’t work but that’s football, and I won’t hesitate to do it again.”