Barry Lloyd fears Worthing have become the poor relations of senior football in Sussex.

The former Brighton manager's side lost to a second half strike from Bognor's Matt Russell on Saturday and with it went £1,000 prize money on offer for the winners of this FA Cup preliminary round match.

Lloyd's young Rebels side were no match for their dominant hosts who carved out numerous chances despite fielding an injury-hit side.

Afterwards, Lloyd surveyed Nyewood Lane and cast an envious eye at Bognor's superior and more expensively-assembled side.

By contrast, Worthing's line-up included a host of young players such as Chris Hibberd because they refuse to yield to the inflated demands of mercenary non-league players.

Although Worthing and Bognor are just ten places apart in Ryman League division one south, Lloyd insists the gap is much bigger in reality.

He said: "I knew when I came to the club in November last year that we wouldn't have the same resources as the other sides.

"We are the poor relations out of Lewes, Horsham, Bognor and teams like that without any shadow of a doubt. But if you look at our history it's probably the greatest of them all.

"We haven't been able to budget like the others. I had three young lads on the bench and I've told them in a few weeks they will be playing.

"Losing at the first hurdle in the FA Cup does hurt the players. The money available means it is important to clubs at all levels, no more so than both teams here.

"The temptation is to go out and spend money to get through the early rounds but that puts pressure on everyone very early in the season."

Even Lloyd's opposite number Jack Pearce had sympathy for Worthing.

Pearce admitted Worthing needed the prize money more than his side and said in future he would like to see the purse divided rather than the winner taking the lot.

He said: "I do feel for the teams that get beat. I think the money should be split more evenly with 75 per cent for the winners and 25 per cent for the losers.

"I firmly believe the FA have got it wrong by making so much money available and I believe it would be better spent at a grassroots level.

"Teams are budgeting above themselves because they believe they are going to do well in the competition.

"Everyone is money motivated and Worthing appear to be missing out. They are a big club but they are struggling at the moment.

"It is a case of there but for the grace of God go I. Barry Lloyd has gone for a youth policy which is to be commended but it is hard for young players to learn at this standard."

Despite his compassion for the visitors, Pearce was delighted with victory.

Bognor caved out a succession of chances, with winger Richard Hudson at the fulcrum of most moves. Had Matt Edwards and Rupert Sansom been less profligate in attack, the Rocks would have won by a much more convincing margin.

Sansom headed against the bar in the tenth minute and Edwards spurned three excellent opportunities.

Edwards was replaced by last season's top scorer Russell on the hour and four minutes later he headed in the only goal.

Hudson crossed from the right and the former Horsham YMCA ace glanced the ball into the bottom right hand corner.

Worthing's Mark Knee had a late goal ruled out after he clearly handled the ball and earlier he forced Craig Stoner to tip his header over.

Following his 26-goal haul last term, Russell's strike was his first of the season after damaging ankle ligaments in pre-season.

He said: "It is great to be back and I'm just happy the chance came along. Luckily it went in and I'm off the mark.

"I was disappointed last season not to have got 30 goals and I would like to do that this season. I always look to improve."

Lloyd will be looking to improve his team's results too but knows it will be difficult.

As he returned east towards Brighton with the Albion fans from Fratton Park, Lloyd could at least seek comfort in the fact he is not the only manager in the county competing against opponents with bigger squads and superior financial backing.

Bognor: Stoner, White, Rowland, Leigh, Wright (Tucker 7) Murphy, Hudson, Sansom, Edwards (Russell 60), Howell, Birmingham (Jackson 83). Subs not used: Hall, Ndoye.

Worthing: May, Stevens, Hibberd, Young, Beech, Sargent, Kennett, Knee, Jones, Graves (Rapps 75), Carrington. Subs not used: Biggs, Rhodes.

Referee: Mr F.D.Meilack.

Man-of-the-match: Richard Hudson (Bognor) - most creative player on show.