Enfield Town were knocked out of the FA Trophy after a disappointing 2-0 home defeat to Thamesmead Town on Saturday.

Brad Quinton’s side went into the game optimistic of a run in the competition but produced a below par performance as they exited their second cup in the space of a month.

The hosts got off to a terrible start when they conceded the opening goal early on. Visiting captain Derek Duncan struck a powerful shot which gave goalkeeper Nathan McDonald no chance.

It was a setback for the Towners as the pre-match favourites were handed an uphill task against their Ryman Division One North opponents.

Enfield were struggling to find their fluency although the hosts felt they had claims for a penalty for handball but the referee was unmoved.

Thamesmead keeper Andy Walker was called into action when he was forced to dive at the feet of Bobby Devyne as the home side pushed for an equaliser.

The visitors were still a threat on the break and Duncan attempted to score again but his effort flew high and wide of McDonald’s goal.

Town had the final opportunity of the half but Walker proved alert enough to keep out Nathan Livings’ effort.

Quinton brought on Harry Ottaway in place of Tyler Campbell at the start of the second half in a bid to spark a fightback from the Towners. But it was increasingly difficult for the hosts to break down their opponents.

Enfield did create a big chance to level the tie when Michael Aziaya fouled Corey Whitely in the area after an hour. But the Towners wasted the opportunity as Devyne’s penalty smashed against the post.

This proved costly and Thamesmead doubled their lead on the 70 minute mark. Paul Vines pounced to tuck away a loose ball and the second goal put the visitors in a commanding position at the Queen Elizabeth II Stadium.

Claudiu Vilcu was thrown up into an attacking position as Enfield desperately searched for a way back into the contest.

Livings fired his effort over the crossbar but it was increasingly looking like it was not going to be their day.

Substitute Ottaway had a chance to pull one back but his effort was well saved by Walker.

It proved to be Enfield’s final effort of the match as the Towners suffered a disappointing exit at the second qualifying round stage.

Quinton will want his side to put their FA Trophy loss quickly behind them as they turn their attention back to the Ryman Premier Division.

The Towners travel to tenth-placed Grays Athletic this Saturday as they continue their bid to climb the table.