MOUNTING frustration due to a lack of game-time has led to Ross Elsom leaving Basildon United.

The midfielder took to social media to confirm he has ended his stint with the Isthmian North outfit.

And Bees boss John Sussex admits Elsom was unhappy with the shortage of opportunities he was getting on the pitch.

Sussex said: “Ross was frustrated with not being in the team.

“He felt he should be starting regularly but I couldn’t agree with him on that because we have a lot of other quality midfielders at the club.

“We had an honest conversation after the FA Trophy win at Brentwood Town and it was decided that he would leave.

“It was difficult for me to put him in the team when those ahead of him in the pecking order were working their socks off to keep their place in the side.

“Ross is a talented player with a great passing range and technique, but I couldn’t offer him the game-time he wanted.

“I’m sure he will get more minutes elsewhere and I wish him all the best.”

Elsom, who made nine appearances this term and claimed a solitary goal in the 7-1 FA Cup preliminary round thumping of Framlingham Town in August, left the club just a matter of hours before Basildon booked their place in the second round of the Essex Thameside Trophy with a 4-1 win over Barkingside.

A brace from Adam Vyse, along with Conor Mead and Ernest Okoh goals, ensured the Bees will travel to White Ensign in the next stage of the competition.

And, while the Essex Thameside Trophy is not at the top of Sussex’s list of priorities during his first full campaign in charge at the Cousins Car Wash Stadium, Sussex was pleased to build on a string of positive results.

“The result means we have won three games in the space of six days,” added Sussex.

“We went into the game having beaten Hullbridge Sports and Brentwood Town, so it was important to keep that winning mentality and build momentum.

“Before the three wins, we also drew against Heybridge Swifts, so we are in a good place at the moment.

“We had 19 attempts on goal in the first half, while Barkingside only got into our half of the pitch once in the first half, yet it was 1-1 at the break.

“That shows we need to be more clinical in front of goal, but their goalkeeper made some great saves.”