RAYLEIGH Town’s general secretary Gary Brooks has spoken of his pride after the club’s best ever FA Vase run came to an end.

Rayleigh battled hard before being beaten 4-2 by Harpenden Town in Saturday’s second round clash.

And Brooks was full of praise for everyone involved.

“What a ride the boys gave us,” said Brooks.

“What a wonderful experience and event it has been.

“I wasn’t at our final game as I was in hospital but I was told it was a thrilling cup tie and it could have gone either way but their strikers were quality and that’s what got them through.

“We wish them all the best going forward and there are no regrets at all from the committee side of things as it’s been lovely.

“The teams we have met with like minded people that care for their club has been a great experience, but I know the team was upset to go out and we relish another crack next year.”

Rayleigh’s run in the FA Vase continued the upturn in the club’s recent fortunes.

Town were crowned Essex Olympian Premier Division champions last season and are now enjoying pitting their wits against teams in the Thurlow Nunn Eastern Counties League Division One South.

“The season from an officials perspective has been hard work but thoroughly enjoyable,” said Brooks.

“Just experiencing new grounds and new teams have been lovely and we are grateful to the support we receive.

“They come week in week out to see the team and we know that will hopefully only improve as and when we get back to Rayleigh to play there.

“There have been lots of highlights and it’s hard to pick one.

“For me, though, is how we have pulled together as a team of willing volunteers a band of brothers behind the scenes that is the biggest highlight.”

Rayleigh, who currently play at Concord Rangers’ Aspect Arena, are eighth in the table.

And Brooks is already looking forward to a forthcoming cup clash against National League South side Hornchurch.

“We have the David v Goliath match in the Essex Senior cup to look forward to where we take on the mighty Hornchurch,” said Brooks.

“We really hope a lot of people are intrigued enough to come to the Aspect Arena and watch that game.

“But if we can continue to keep this fantastic team, the team spirit they have and, off the back of that, the feel good factor throughout the club, then that will be a win for us.

“I think if you ask the managers they want to aim for play offs , but there is no pressure from us on that, even though it would obviously be lovely.”