BENFLEET’s Jai Reason admits he is “very disappointed” to have exited the FA Cup, after his non-league Eastleigh side went down 3-2 to Bolton Wanderers in a third round replay.

Reason, 26, played 78 minutes for the Hampshire outfit at Bolton’s Macron Stadium on Tuesday night, but was unable to help the underdogs to the upset of the round and victory over the Championship side.

The former King John School pupil did play his part on an eventful evening in Lancashire, assisting Eastleigh’s second goal, but it wasn't quite enough.

And Reason said he was disappointed not to have set up a fourth round tie with Leeds United.

“We had our chance in the first game to win the tie and it is very disappointing not to have gone through,” said Reason. “We gave it everything but we couldn't break Bolton down. Towards the end of the game their fitness levels showed and they have good players that can keep the ball.

“I couldn't really get on the ball much which was frustrating but when I did I wanted to be forward thinking and looking to drive forward. And when I did we created a chance, so it was nice to get an assist.”

Reason said the team didn't arrive back in Hampshire until 3.30am on Wednesday morning, following a long journey back down to the south coast.

But the attacking midfielder, who also grabbed an assist in the 1-1 draw with Bolton 12 days ago, is now targeting a return to the Football League.

Eastleigh sit in the play-off places in the National League, and Reason wants the cup run to inspire his team-mates to play at a higher level.

“We were quietly confident we could go there and get the result, and I think that came across from the first game.

“We weren't intimidated but we mustn't forget what a successful cup run it’s been. The club made history by reaching this round and we can all be proud of that.

“Hopefully we can use it to spur us on and achieve promotion.

“It has been a difficult run with exits from three cup competitions (FA Cup, FA Trophy, Hampshire Senior Cup) but we can now focus on the league which is the bread and butter for any team at any level.

“And, hopefully, we can do it.”