WITHAM Town's Emirates FA Cup involvement came to an end in disappointing fashion after they lost 4-0 at Stowmarket Town, in their preliminary round tie, writes JIM PURTILL.

The first half hour had promised much but after conceding two late first-half goals, they never looked like getting back into the game.

Both sides made a lively start and had a positive approach.

Witham had several good attacks on the left with runs from the impressive Jack Nolde and Luke Hornsley.

Ben Search saw a lot of the ball and caused problems for the home defence, while Ahmed Mohammed shot wide after good work by Jordi Papple and Chi Osadebe.

As expected Stowmarket were the best side that Witham have played this season.

Ex-Witham striker George Bugg is one of the best strikers in the division and he looked dangerous every time he was involved.

Stowmarket's fast passing game threatened the visitors but it was an even contest for the first half hour.

Towards the end of the first half the visitors were coming under increasing pressure from the speed and quality of Stowmarket's attacks.

Bugg shot just wide from the right and Witham’s debutant goalkeeper Rob Budd made a superb reflex save with his right leg to keep a header out.

The pressure told and the home side went ahead with a quality goal in the 38th minute.

Bugg's lightning pace, control and movement created a chance for ex-Witham player Evan Collard, who finished with aplomb.

Seven minutes later Witham conceded another goal when Bugg was allowed to score with a glancing header at the near post.

It was a disappointing goal to concede and it put the visitors two goals down at the break, despite matching their opponents for most of the first half.

Witham faced an uphill task in the second half to give themselves a chance but they found it impossible to regain their earlier momentum.

Their attacks were disjointed and Stowmarket continually moved forward in search of more goals, while Bugg, Collard and Robbie Sweeney troubled the Witham defence repeatedly.

Substitute A'maree Robinson-Jones was impressive for the visitors but James Bradbrook in the Stowmarket goal was largely unemployed.

In the 53rd minute, Joe Jefford scored a third goal for Stowmarket when he forced the ball into the net from another corner.

Adam Cheniti replaced Papple in the 55th minute and impressed with his industry.

He shot over in a Witham attack but the vast majority of the action was taking place at the other end.

Jack Ainsley scored a fourth in the 89th minute - Budd had done brilliantly to parry a shot but he was left exposed as Ainsley was the first player to react.

Most clubs in the division will have problems at Stowmarket this season but Witham will know that they need to address their defensive weaknesses and their lack of attacking prowess in the second half.

Witham return to league action on Saturday, with Tilbury the visitors to the Simarco Stadium.