CALNE TOWN joint-boss Jeff Roberts says the stars failed to align for his side as their Vase run was brought to an end last Saturday.

The Lilywhites were beaten 2-0 at Toolstation League Premier Division Longwell Green Sports and finished with 10 men as they were knocked out in the first round proper.

Kris Beasley was shown a straight red card for clashing with the hosts’ Matt Tilley, who was also sent for an early bath, and Jordan Roberts’ set-piece effort was judged not to have crossed the line as Green netted either side of half time.

“It was a bit of a shame because I thought that we dominated the second half but all of our shots seemed to be blocked and things never quite happened for us,” said Roberts.

“Their second goal came from a bit of a fumble from our keeper Steve Allison and they took their chances when they came.

“It would have been nice to go through in the Vase because it’s good to bring an extra bit of income in to the club but the league is the most important thing for us.

“We’ve had a good start to the season and we want to give it one last big push to try and get promoted.”

Calne will also be hoping for a peaceful reunion with Bemerton Heath Harlequins when the Lilywhites begin their defence of the Wiltshire Senior Cup next month.

They beat Bemerton 2-1 in last April’s final but their celebrations were marred by the unsavoury brawl that broke out. Calne go to the Wessex League outfit in the second round on November 17.

The Lilywhites host local rivals Devizes Town in the league without the suspended Alex Rigley while Dan Lardner is a doubt with a knee injury.