Joe Goude reports - The A’ Team were knocked out of the Greg Cup by an improved Bedwell Ragners U21 side, after conceding late on in a close 3-2 loss.

The strengthened A’s made a bright start with chances falling to Joe Goude early on. Pressure mounted and both Poleszuk and Mark Shelley were carving good chances on either wing as Ward and Goude, who were well supported by Duigan searched for the inevitable opener. That came when a great move was only stopped by a handball in the area and Duigan confidently stepped up to slot home the penalty.

The end to end game was easy on the eye but kept the Baldock defence busy, with notable performances from Rhett Monahan & Sam Berry giving the A’s a great platform to build upon.  As they search for a second, Ward was fouled right on the edge of the box and a neat free kick allowed Duigan to slide in from a tight angle to net his second of the game.

Just before half time however, a long clearance was latched onto by the Bedwell forward, and Jon Marlow in goal was left with no chance as the player calmly slotted home to halve the deficit.

Bedwell came out off the blocks fastest in the second half, although chances still fell to the A’s with Brooking, Goude, Duigan and Ward all going close but to no avail.

The visitors drew level when a controversial penalty was given for what looked like a dive, and the same player jumped up to tuck home the penalty and bring the scores level.

The final 20 minutes were played out in a frantic fashion with neither side being able to take control of the game, and the A’s suffered the final blow when Goude’s error on the edge of the box failing to clear, allowed the visitors a one on one to book their place in the next round, which they happily took within only 5 minutes left to play.

The A’s were once again left to contemplate another loss and another set back to their season which they can’t seem to kick start.

Manager Phil Farrant will be pleased with an improved performance in the first half and having a much stronger and organised side but moving forward, Oxhey Wanderers await in the Herts Junior Cup and he will be looking to take the chances missed on Saturday.

‘A’ Team: Marlow, Smith, Turner, Monahan, Berry, Poleszuk, Wales(Brooking 65), Duigan, Shelley, Ward, Goude. Subs Not Used: Downing