LISS Athletic exited the Hampshire Intermediate Cup with a 3-2 defeat at West Wight on Saturday.

Dan Sharpe and Lenny Burney were on target for the visitors, but they were unable to prevent Liss exiting the cup.

Liss manager Rich Bessey missed the match, which was originally meant to be played on November 7, as he was watching David Beckham’s All Star Match for Children at Old Trafford, Manchester.

“It was the first game I’ve missed in three years,” said Bessey. “We had a lot of players missing, but I thought our side was good enough to win.”

The defeat ended Liss’ remarkable winning run, and it was their first reverse since a 3-0 defeat against Hamble Club in August. Bessey is now looking for his side to respond when they host Hedge End Rangers in the Hampshire Premier League Senior Division on Saturday.

“It won’t be easy but we want to make amends,” he said.