Athletic disappointingly bow out of the St. Marys Cup following this defeat by Chipperfield Corinthians.

Athletic made ten changes from last Saturdays game and from the kick off they were on the defensive. Corinthians had two clear chances in the first 5 minutes to score but fortunately for Athletic they were not taken.

Athletic weathered this early pressure and created a couple of chances themselves,but after 15 minutes Corinthians opened the scoring in fortuitous circumstances.Athletics keeper Luke Priestley came out to clear the ball but his clearance hit centre forward Conor Flanagan and rebounded into the unguarded goal.

The game was end to end with chances being created for both sides,although neither goal keeper had to make too many saves. Athletic had a good spell towards the end of the first half but could not find that finishing touch.

Half time: TAFC 0 - 1 Chipperfield Corinthians

Just 5 minutes after the start of the second half Corinthians scored their second goal. This was a goal from a defensive error which allowed a persistent Nathan Pooley to collect the ball and round Athletics keeper to shoot into an open goal.

This goal gave Athletic added impetus and they pushed forward in numbers, winning several corners and free kicks and from one attack they pulled a goal back. The ball was played down the right and from a Joe Fitzgerald cross Kyle Johnson headed back across goal into the far corner of the net.

Within a minute of scoring Athletic were unlucky not to score again when a corner kick skimmed off a defenders head towards goal, but somehow the keeper managed to keep the ball out of the net.

Although Corinthians were dangerous on the break, it was Athletic who were again unlucky when a shot was cleared of the line following a free kick in the 80th minute.With 5 minutes left Kyle Johnson was played through by Joe Fitzgerald but his shot unfortunately flew over the bar.

Full time:TAFC 1- 2 Chipperfield Corinthians

Athletic now look forward to the FA Vase replay this Saturday at Biggleswade FC.

TAFC:Luke Priestley,Joe Fitzgerald(c),Ben Johnson, Chris Crook,Scott Henderson(GarethTerblanche 64),Conor Blake,George Ironton(Teddy Paul 68),Kyle Johnson,Billie Bursari,Jack Read,Elliott Goward

Chipperfield Corinthians:Stuart Beddall,Paul Branson,Dan Perman,Dan Lewis,Adam Godfrey (c),Dale Dresch,Nathan Pooley,Harry Misseldrook,Conor Flanagan,Harry Slade,Conor Chapman.

Attendance:41

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