RAGGED Bemerton Heath Harlequins’ brief spell in the FA Cup was terminated at the hands of Winchester City after a wretched start.

The Western Way outfit, plagued with unavailabilities again, exited the illustrious competition at the first qualifying round following a 3-0 defeat at the Denplan City Ground.

The hosts started the game at an electric rate and Bemerton struggled to get a foothold in the game.

Winchester’s mounted pressure paid off after ten minutes when a good move on the right -hand side was slotted away.

A second quickly followed during a frenetic start after a speculative shot was wickedly deflected past custodian Max Frampton, leaving him no chance. And a two nil cushion turned into three when another huge deflection looped the ball over a helpless Frampton.

Once the third trudged in, Bemerton finally settled and mustered some opportunities of their own, Scott Joyce and Jack Slade testing the palms of City’s shotstopper.

The second half was a completely different story as the visitors came out guns blazing.

The inclusion of young Shaun Prentice proved to be the catalyst for a tremendous second period. Prentice, on as a substitute for Ben Spratt, pressed the Winchester defence, which allowed the midfield to push on and attack.

Slade unleashed a 25-yard drive that flew past the keeper, only to cannon off the crossbar.

And the skipper was unfortunate again when his half volley was superbly turned round the post.

Leigh Mills was next to save the home side when he cleared an effort off the line, and shortly afterwards Joyce’s attempt hit the outside of the post. Winchester still offered a threat going forward and Frampton produced a fine save to deny Bentley when the striker found himself unmarked in the area.

Delighted with the second half display, Harlequins boss Ian Chalk said: “Our response to the three goal salvo in the first half was tremendous and once again our work rate and team spirit was fantastic.

“To ship three goals in five minutes was obviously a kick in the teeth but two of them were extremely fortunate.

After that we settled and got into the game and the second half was all about us for long periods. It had nothing to do with Winchester taking their foot off the gas.

“Aaron Cook, Jack Slade and Neil Williams were superb for us in the second half and, if we show that much commitment each game we will win many.”

Bemerton look to avenge the FA Cup misery on Tuesday night when Winchester visit Western Way (7.45pm), but three days before, they go to AFC Portchester (3pm).