West’s Challenge Cup run came to and end against a Harpenden Vultures team three divisions above them, but the game was only decided in the last few minutes.

In awful conditions, West started slowly with the Harpenden team dominating the first half in terms of attempts on goal, but they failed to score as keeper Martin Robinson (left) made some great saves, while two headers went just wide. On the one occasion Martin was beaten Charlie Craigen made a last ditch goal line clearance. West did have a good share of the possession, but hardly tested their keeper in a first half which ended 0-0, but could have easily seen Harpenden ahead were it not for Martin in goal.

West began the second half a lot brighter, and given the lack of penetration through the centre of the strong Harpenden team in the first half, they played the ball wide much more, and to good success. One superb move saw Chris Welch and Carl Biggs combine well before sending Scott Howlett down the left wing. He managed to beat a number of approaching defenders to hit a good cross into the box; however the resulting shot was saved. Further chances were created, including a good corner from George Figg which was met by a header from Charlie but it went just over, while another chance fell to Carl after he was played though, however his run to goal was ended by a last ditch defensive clearance behind for another West corner.

With less than ten minutes to go, West looked like they might nick a winning goal, however on a rare second half Harpenden attack a ball crossed into the box was headed in from close range. Worse was to come only a minute later when a Harpenden player struck a superb curling shot from outside the area which gave Martin no chance. West didn’t give up though, and shortly after grabbed a goal back from George following good work from Tom Weaver, while a goal mouth scramble in the last minute almost brought a dramatic equalizer.

In the end it wasn’t to be, but in an entertaining second half the West boys did superbly against a team three divisions above them, and they should not be too disheartened by the 2-1 score line.