RICHARD Colwell admitted there had been a “difference in class” after Causeway United were knocked out of the FA Vase by Whitley Bay.

Causeway were comprehensively beaten 6-0 by the Seahorses in their second round tie at Hillheads Park yesterday.

The hosts have won the competition three times in the last four years and United boss Colwell admitted his side were simply beaten by the better team.

He said: “We knew it was going to be hard, you don’t win the competition three times in the last four years for no reason.

“I was disappointed with our defending for the first two goals but overall I don’t think you can argue we were beaten by the better side.

“They pay players and we don’t, you could see there was a difference in class really.

“They could probably play two leagues above and do well. We worked hard and I can’t ask anymore really.”

United found themselves three goals down midway after 23 minutes and only backs to the well defending prevented them from conceding more in a sobering first period.

Despite a rally early in the second half, they couldn’t reduce the deficit and three more goals from the hosts sealed the win.

Colwell said: “We had a few words at half-time. We made it clear to the players we were disappointed with the defending first two goals.

“We changed a few things around and for the first 15 minutes of the second half we did well. I thought if we could get one, we might get another and make them a bit nervous.

“The fourth goal was a killer really, there was no way back from that.”

He added: “Credit to them, they are a very good side.

“They could play leagues higher, why they choose not to, that’s another story.”