Whyteleafe's interest in cup competitions came to an end with a 2-1 defeat at Lordswood in the FA Vase on Saturday.

It was an entertaining cup game, where the hosts were only on top for the first few and last few minutes of the game, but it was enough for them to score the decisive goals.

Leafe had an excellent spell in the second half when they equalised and should have gone ahead.

However, their clinical form from the league has desserted them in the cups, and they be hoping it returns when they resume league action this weekend after an eight-week break.

Lordswood had the best possible start, Rhys Lawson scoring from close range after Sheikh Ceesay could not hold a 25-yard free kick.

Jason Thompson struck a fifth minute 30-yard free kick over the bar, and then Sam Clayton shot wide when well placed in the 13th minute.

Thompson then hit a 40-yard free kick from the left that nearly crept into the net but was turned off the line by the last defender for a corner.

The corner fell for Thompson who found Tommy Smith with his back to goal, but his backheel went straight to the keeper.

Roscoe DSane went close a couple of times before Clayton’s cross found him unmarked in the box in the 27th minute but he failed to take the chance.

Steve Read went close for the hosts in the 33rd minute, Bentley Graham clearing off the line.

Leafe looked much the better side in the second half - DSane broke clear in the 54th minute and found Clayton on the edge of the box but the keeper was quickly out to smother his shot.

DSane, Tommy Smith and Adam Broomhead all went close before the equaliser came in the 61st minute, Taylor Smith announcing his introduction to the game in fine style, heading home from a corner with his first touch of the game.

He almost made it two in two minutes when his header from Clayton’s cross was well saved.

DSane and Clayton also went close but Lordswood got some inspiration and finished very strongly, with Ceesay making a great save in the 87th minute, tipping a shot round the post.

The game seemed destined to go to extra time, but in stoppage time Tommy Smith found himself with two men to mark and James Simmons took advantage, making a powerful run into the box and firing home, and leaving Leafe no time to try and get back into the game.

Whyteleafe, sixth in the Southern Counties East League, but with up to seven games in hand on the teams above them, go to second-placed Erith Town this weekend.

Whyteleafe: Ceesay, , Smith (Tommy), Abraham, Thompson Broomhead, Grant, Fowler, Williams, DSane, Clayton, Graham (Smith (Taylor) 61).

Sub not used: Thornton, Pratt.