Badshot Lea manager Gavin Smith admitted his side deserved to be beaten by Hartley Wintney after they fell to a 1-0 defeat.

“It was a scrappy game and I didn't feel we deserved anything,” said Smith.

“It was always going to be difficult because Hartley Wintney are good at what they do.

“The first half was disappointing because I didn't feel Hartley Wintney had to do a lot to get in front.

“We floated through the first half without doing anything.

“There was no real quality, but the pitch wasn't conducive to having good quality.

“The pitch is rock hard – it's like pre-season. It's unforgiving – it's not good to play football on.

“The pitch isn't great, but it was the same for both teams.

“I didn't feel we had any quality to break Hartley Wintney down.

“They're resolute and they defend well.

“We didn't threaten enough to warrant winning or getting a draw.”