Oxford City player-boss Justin Merritt said everyone was "bitterly disappointed" after Saturday's FA Cup exit against Eastbourne, writes NICK FARRANT.

A second-half header from Darren Baker won it for the Blue Square Premier side, but Merritt said his players felt they could have done better.

"I didn't think there was a lot in it," said Merritt.

"Neither keeper had much to do. I thought we let ourselves down with a sloppy set-piece.

"I didn't think our end-product was quite good enough.

"The players worked hard and they didn't get outplayed.

"Everyone is bitterly disappointed. Now we need to regroup.

"Everybody is very down at the moment because we feel it's a missed opportunity.

"I thought Eastbourne did a professional job, but to be done by an uncontested set-piece is the most disappointing aspect."

Assistant Mike Ford added: "We had some players rowing with each other because we have lost a game in that way.

"The players should be proud of their efforts and reasonably pleased with their performances, but I feel it's a game we could have won."

Ford felt that the visitors' more experienced side made the difference.

He added: "We've got some young players who have acquitted themseleves very well.

"I think we had more flair and pace than them, but they had a bit more know-how.

"They defended properly and then they nicked the win."

Chairman Brian Cox said: "Considering we were playing a team two leagues above, we didn't disgrace ourselves at all.

"Now our priority is to get up the league. And we are still in the FA Trophy.