Goals from Kevin Ashwood and Aaron Clarke were not enough to put Colney Heath through in the Challenge Trophy against Crawley Green.

A late goal given by the referee, much to the disapproval of Heath’s players as he had already blown his the whistle for a free kick, gave Crawley Green a 3-2 scoreline and a place in the next round.

The Magpies had looked in total control of the game, dominating possession and creating several chances but were pegged back twice on the break by the lively Crawley forwards.

At the weekend, the Magpies hosted pre-season league favourites AFC Dunstable at the Recreation Ground. A great team effort and passing performance saw the Heath cruise to a 4-0 victory, with the visitors failing to test Tom Blackman in goal.

Fluid passing and good ball retention ensured that goals from hat-trick hero Clarke and Ashwood meant that Colney Heath stayed in contention in fourth place and kept the leaders within sight at the top of the SSML Premier Division.

On Saturday, the Magpies make the journey to Hertford Town looking to put more pressure on the top three.