Penalty heartbreak for Saffron Walden as FA Vase dreams come to an end

A crowd of 760 packed into Catons Lane and saw the Bloods start brilliantly.

They should have taken the lead when they were awarded a penalty but Michael Toner put his spot-kick over the top.

They did take the lead though in the first half when Gavin Cockman's long throw was turned into his own net by a Loughborough defender.

The United Counties League Premier Division North side equalised after the break through George Ward and with no more goals in the remaining minutes, the match finished 1-1 and went straight to penalties.

Both sides missed their first shot from 12 yards but after each scoring five, Loughborough scored first in sudden death and Walden missed theirs to exit the competition in the last 32.

Jason Maher's side will now turn their attentions towards getting promotion from the Essex Senior League, starting with a home game against White Ensign on Saturday.

Saffron Walden Town manager Jason Maher. (Image: ©TGS Photo tgsphoto.co.uk +44 1376 553468)

Saffron Walden PSG U11 Girls Blacks returned to league action for the first time since Christmas on a cold and foggy Saturday morning in Cambourne.

The two teams have enjoyed close games in recent months and this week was no exception, with the two evenly-matched sides battling hard in midfield.

PSG had the better of the first half in terms of possession and chances but couldn't find the killer finish, although several girls came close to scoring.

After the break, and with lots of juggling of substitutions to accommodate the large squad, PSG found things a little more difficult.

However, they finished the game strongly, putting Cambourne under immense pressure, and were rewarded with a goal in the closing stages, Tilly claiming the final touch after something of a goalmouth scramble.

A spokeswoman said: "It was a great all-round performance and a positive start to the new year from all the girls."