Codicote 3 Buntingford Town 3 (Codicote win 3-1 on penalties) BUNTINGFORD Town boss Paul Attfield described the three goals his team conceded as not even Sunday pub league standard, as Town crashed out at the first hurdle of the Aubrey League Cup. It

Codicote 3 Buntingford Town 3

(Codicote win 3-1 on penalties)

BUNTINGFORD Town boss Paul Attfield described the three goals his team conceded as not even Sunday pub league standard, as Town crashed out at the first hurdle of the Aubrey League Cup.

It was a disappointing team performance by Buntingford, in a game that was riddled with defensive errors and careless passing.

They struggled to gain any control, which at the end of extra time was ultimately their downfall.

Town's approach play started the better, but their work in the final third continually broke down.

And as the game wore on, the hosts' more direct approach caused the majority of the problems.

Damion Williamson kept Town in the game with a string of smart saves, while at the other end the Buntingford attack never really threatened until they took the lead in the 35th minute.

And it was Will Turl who broke the deadlock, crashing home from Luke Robins' mazy run, before Tom Malins had the chance to double Buntingford's lead but missed from close range.

In the second half, the visitors had more chances to push in front, with Danny Nicholls twice going close.

However, it was the home side who grabbed the next goal when they equalised from 18 yards.

Codicote almost went ahead moments later but were denied by the post, and then Williamson rescued Town again with two more fantastic saves.

However, on the hour mark, Williamson was left exposed after a long ball was missed by his defence with a Codicote striker firing home from close range.

Town fought back, with Robins hitting the bar with a 25-yard free kick, before Gary Christie forced extra time, volleying home from Turl's lay-off with 10 minutes left.

Codicote took the lead once more in extra time after a comical mix up in the Town defence before they went down to 10 men.

With the advantage of an extra player, Town took the game to Codicote but left it late again.

This time, with only four minutes on the clock, Turl turned goal scorer once more, and pounced for Buntingford's third.

From the spot it was only Robins who was successful, with Lewis Endacott, Gary Christie, and Malins missing their penalties.

With Codicote scoring enough a fifth kick was not needed.

Attfield said: "Watching from the side it genuinely looked like the players thought they could breeze through the game.

"The goals we conceded would disappoint in a Sunday morning pub league.

"If it wasn't for Damion Williamson we would have conceded double figures.

"It was a naïve, incompetent, and unacceptable showing that I will not accept from one of my teams."

- DESPITE the club's weekend defeat, Buntingford's fine start to the season has been recognised with six first team players being called up for the Herts County League representative squad.

The Herts League team are set to play in the first round of the FA National League Cup on Saturday when they will face the Peterborough & District League.

Buntingford's Jamie Babbage, Danny Nicholls, Mark Smith, Damion Williamson, Will Turl and Tom Malins will all be hoping to feature in the starting line-up.

It is the first time the club has had players selected to represent the league.