BRETT Munyard was left ‘utterly devastated’ as White Ensign narrowly missed out on an FA Cup first qualifying round tie with Isthmian Premier League side Potters Bar Town.

White Ensign suffered a 3-2 extra-time defeat to Essex Senior League outfit Takeley in their preliminary round replay.

And, although he was keen to praise his players, Munyard was critical of the match officials.

“I’m utterly devastated,” said the White Ensign boss.

“Sometimes in football you don’t get the result you deserve and this really showed that.

“In both games I felt we were the better side and seconds away from going through.

“Very rarely do I comment on officials but the referee made some costly errors. But it’s football and we must move on.

“Even though we lost, I’m so proud of my players.

“They gave everything once again and showed everyone what a good side we are.

“We have played in four FA Cup games against two of the stronger teams in the league above and we were not beaten by either of them in 90 minutes.

“We have to take this experience into the league now and look to build on what’s been a superb performance once again.”

Although White Ensign took the lead through Connor Barnby, they were quickly pegged back by Bryn Thorpe’s close range effort.

An upset appeared to be back on the cards when Luke Skinner fired home from long range.

But a controversial Lewis Deamer goal in stoppage time saw Takeley draw level.

And Takeley grabbed the winner early in extra-time as Deamer completed his brace.