JASON Matthews insisted he was proud of how his side have featured in the national cup competitions this season, after they bowed out of the FA Trophy at the hands of Whitehawk.

A free-kick from former Leeds, Brighton and Southampton man Dan Harding settled a highly competitive contest and give the Hawks a 2-1 win against the Terras, who had Stephane Zubar sent off 10 minutes from time.

Assessing the game, Matthews told Echosport: “It was a really good performance by my boys but we probably just ran out of steam with the injuries and illness we had through the camp.

“I thought we were superb but were just undone by two set-pieces. On the whole, there are a lot of plus points to take out of it.

“Now we really need to concentrate on moving up the league, which starts on Saturday with the game against St Ives.”

He continued: “They got their tails up with the goal that got them back into the game.

“We can’t keep giving teams set-pieces from the higher levels because they have good ability to put the ball in the box and that was our undoing.

“It was a good Trophy run, the boys can feel proud of their achievements in the cups this season but it’s about the league now and we have to kick on with some massive games coming up.

“We have a busy Christmas period which will define our season.”

One man who will not feature in that festive period for Weymouth is winger Dan Smith, who Matthews revealed has been released.

* Portland United exited the Sydenhams Wessex League Cup at the hands of Team Solent for the second successive season.

Having drawn 1-1 in normal time, the Blues were beaten 4-2 on penalties by the Students at Grove Corner.