There was no hiding place for his team-mates after Matt Lockwood slammed Sutton United’s dismal 3-1 FA Cup defeat to Burgess Hill Town as “scandalous”.

United were out-played on their home patch by a side two divisions below them, and dumped out of the competition at the third qualifying round stage.

The Hillians took an early lead in a first half where United offered nothing as an attacking force.

After the break, United boss Paul Doswell threw Charlie Clough up front in place of the ineffectual Nick Bignall, and it drew immediate dividends thanks to Micky Spillane’s deflected equaliser.

However, Burgess Hill regained the lead after sloppy defending gifted the visitors a free-kick on goal, and the third was snaffled in the dying moments with the United defence all at sea.

Now, instead of a lucrative trip to Dartford of the Conference Premier, United are left licking their well-deserved wounds.

Lockwood said: “It was awful. The atmosphere in the dressing room is terrible, the lads are disappointed. 

"We have let down the manager, ourselves, the fans and everyone involved in the club.

“To lose to a team two divisions below you, who played better than you and beat you 3-1 at home, is truly scandalous.”

He added: “It’s a horrible game to lose because Sutton are famous for their cup runs, and the manager picked no bones about it, he wanted a cup run.

“Not only because it’s important to get on a run, but financially it’s huge for the club.”

Ahead of the cup clash, Doswell’s striking options were restricted after Jessy Reindorf picked up an injury in training and Jo Kuffour remained absent on personal grounds.

Reindorf has hit four goals so far this season and the since-departed Jamie Taylor had one, meaning the United strike-force have contributed just five goals to the 20 scored in 12 games – an issue Lockwood says is being addressed.

“When we’ve got a centre half and a central midfielder playing up front, it’s obvious that we have not replaced the likes of Jamie Taylor or Jamie Slabber, and you have to remember we’ve lost Marvin Williams too,” he said.

“We are lacking in the striking department, but the gaffer is always looking for players and he is not going to just bring anyone in, he wants to bring in people who will improve the squad.”