MANAGER Sean Tynan admitted being proud of his battling Little Oakley players - despite their FA Vase adventure coming to an end at Enfield 1893.

The Acorns eventually succumbed to a 2-0 defeat, after extra time, in Tuesday's first-round replay, following a 2-2 draw at the Memorial Ground on Saturday.

The tie was delicately poised at 0-0 after 90 minutes.

However, Essex Senior League side Enfield grabbed two goals in extra-time – one in each period - to set up a second-round tie at home to Spartan South Midlands League side Leverstock Green on November 3.

"We were very sorry to lose, obviously, but overall it was a great experience," said an upbeat Tynan, whose side have a Thurlow Nunn League date at home to Wormley Rovers on Saturday.

"We didn't embarrass ourselves against higher-placed opposition.

"We didn't roll over and it was certainly no disgrace losing to a very good side.

"Enfield's goalkeeper was their man-of-the-match and that speaks volumes, because he made four or five great saves at important times in the game.

"They had most of the possession but without really hurting us.

"We showed a lot of desire, grit and determination and those that came into the side, including some of our younger players, did themselves proud."

Tynan believes his side can take heart and confidence from their Vase performances.

The Acorns are currently eighth in division one south and will be looking to show similar qualities in their upcoming league games, starting with Wormley on Saturday.

"Enfield are a great club and I can see them having a very good season, finishing high up in their league," he said.

"But we showed we can compete against higher-placed opposition.

"We made them fight every inch of the way and now we need to take those kind of performances into our league campaign - starting on Saturday.

"There were some very tired bodies out there by the end.

"The boys have given me everything during two long, tough matches but this is why we all want to play football at this level, for experiences like this."

Tynan will be without unavailable pair Jamie Dobkin and Jay Barker on Saturday.

Harry Mann is still sidelined because of injury but Greg Rodger is expected to recover from a sore knee that kept him out on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Tynan looked back with great pride on Saturday's first match against Enfield.

A crowd of over 200 turned out to support the Acorns.

"Saturday was a great day for our club," he said.

"There was a big crowd and everyone enjoyed the emotion and experience, which is exactly what we need as a small village club.

"We're punching above our weight but the way everyone came together and performed the way they did - on the pitch and off it - made me very proud."