BOWERS & Pitsea manager Rob Small has demanded an immediate response from his players, after the holders were dumped out of the Essex Senior League Cup by FC Romania.

Bowers were beaten 2-0 by an under-strength Romania on Tuesday, exiting at the quarter-final stage, after goals in either half put paid to their hopes of retaining the title.

Small said the performance was not befitting a side who are challenging for promotion from the Essex Senior League this season, with FC Romania another of the key contenders in the division.

And he said a response in this Saturday’s FA Vase fourth-round tie against Sutton Common Rovers is crucial.

“I am very disappointed,” said Small. “I don't think I will ever be able to see a silver lining when we lose, especially in a cup quarter-final.

“It was nowhere near FC Romania’s strongest team so it's poor on our behalf. The conditions were awfully difficult and killed the game for both sides. But we created far more chances than Romania and scored none. They kept the ball well and didn't create many clear cut chances but we have given away two soft goals.

“We need to be better in both boxes as it has cost us more than once this season,” he added. “We can't look to the FA Vase as an excuse.

“You cannot pick and choose when to play well and when to turn it on and off. I'm hoping for a big reaction Saturday providing we can get the game on.”