Great Shelford A 2 Steeple Morden 1 (aet) STEEPLE Morden suffered heartache as a last-gasp goal in extra time brought their Lower Junior Challenge Cup ambitions to an end for another season. On a hot afternoon, Steeple started the brighte

Great Shelford A 2

Steeple Morden 1 (aet)

STEEPLE Morden suffered heartache as a last-gasp goal in extra time brought their Lower Junior Challenge Cup ambitions to an end for another season.

On a hot afternoon, Steeple started the brightest against their youthful opponents.

Paul Hutley found an excellent position in the box and then Graham Collins picked out Ben Holt but neither could direct their headers on target.

The lively Dom Oxenford was also unlucky and after spraying the ball wide he made a 40-yard run to get on the end of Martin Donald's cross but could only find the side netting.

As Shelford got into the game, Darren Jarman strongly led the backline which restricted any clear chances.

The deadlock would have been broken on 30 minutes but for a superb save from Tim Tidey. He got down low to his right to push a goalbound header wide and produce a save as good as any in his long career.

In an even contest the second half was also tight but Steeple took the lead on the hour mark. Oxenford turned his marker and released Donald on the right wing and the youngster beat his man before unleashing a precise finish.

The home side stepped up the pressure in search of an equaliser but fine goal line clearances from Craig Richardson and Martin Holt maintained Steeple's lead.

In the final minute, Shelford substitute Mackay scrambled the ball home to take the tie into extra-time.

Steeple dominated the first extra period and went agonisingly close to regaining the lead when Charlie Prothero found Ben Holt who smashed his effort just wide.

With a penalty shoot-out looming, the home side broke away speedily and Cook converted a cross to snatch victory in the dying minutes.

Steeple manager Kenny Watters was philosophical in defeat: "The players put a lot of effort in for no reward and I could not fault any of them. Unfortunately, we did not have the penetrating and cutting edge we have shown over the last few games.