DEFEAT at Hereford was worsened with the loss of Calum Brockway.

The sturdy central defender crashed to the ground just nine minutes into the first leg of the FA Vase semi-final clutching his right shoulder.

It was the same shoulder he originally hurt last month and was stretchered off, with Elliot Wheeler replacing him.

Brockway, who signed from Folland Sports, will miss the rest of the season as he prepares to have an operation to get his shoulder put back in place.

"It's disappointing and is a massive loss to us," said Claridge.

"With all due respect, if it had been anyone else I probably wouldn't have played them but no one has deserved to play more for us than he has.

"He's a really important, integral part of our side but Elliott Wheeler came in and played really well and was good we got him in.

"It was horrible to see when he went down."

Claridge watched his side, towards the end, create several chances to pinch a leveller.

Former Salisbury City goalkeeper Martin Horsell made two fine saves to claw away Tom Whelan's driven effort and Steve Walker's close-range header.

Kane O'Keefe also had a great chance on the edge of the 18-yard box but blasted over.

Claridge added: "I don't know whether to be pleased or disappointed."

"It's mixed emotions really but I'll take this.

"We know what to do now.

"We want a bit more of a positive performance and I expect us to be creative."