James Kirtley has admitted Sussex Sharks’ qualification hopes in the Vitality Blast are all but over.

The county lost by four wickets at Glamorgan yesterday, their fifth T20 defeat in a row.

They are on the brink of elimination with THREE home games still to play.

Sussex coach Kirtley said: “Everyone has to play each other and all the other bits and pieces.

“But I think that is us pretty much done in our ability to qualify for the quarter-finals and that is massively disappointing.

“You can look back on these last three games and the difference that 12 runs would have made in each of them is significant.

“That is the bit we have got to figure out, how we get beyond those moments.

“We’ve got four games to go.”

Defeat in Cardiff, where Sussex set their hosts 150 to win, followed a gallant but vain run chase in a high-scoring contest at Essex on Friday.

They were humbled by Gloucestershire in their most recent home fixture, losing their last eight wickets for 23 runs.

Sussex now face the daunting task of facing Chris Jordan and unbeaten South Group leaders Surrey at Hove on Thursday.

Kirtley said: “There will be opportunities for one or two to play but we will reflect - but it will be ultimately be bitterly disappointing.”