SSML Premier Division Cup quarter-final Colney Heath 1 Kingsbury LT 1 (Kingsbury win 4-3 on pens) COLNEY HEATH were knocked out of the Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Cup after losing on penalties to Kingsbury London Tigers. Kevin Ashwood gave H

SSML Premier Division Cup quarter-final

Colney Heath 1 Kingsbury LT 1

(Kingsbury win 4-3 on pens)

COLNEY HEATH were knocked out of the Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Cup after losing on penalties to Kingsbury London Tigers.

Kevin Ashwood gave Heath a first half lead but a 25-yard effort from Almeida in the 98th minute forced extra time.

With no further goals scored, the game went to penalties where the visitors triumphed 4-3.

"Penalties are a bit of a lottery and they held their nerve better than we did," Magpies boss Scott Lacey told the Herts Advertiser.

"They're a well organised and fit side and we wish them well in the semi-finals.

"We played well. We're back to full strength near enough so there's no excuses.

"We were missing Jack Coombs and Matt Corbould who are arguably our two strongest players.

"We started brightly but they look fitter than us. We had the better of the chances."

Heath took the lead when new boy Paul Armstrong fed Ian Cooper and Heath's top scorer squared for Kevin Ashwood who crashed the ball home.

Heath continued to enjoy the better of the chances but were unable to find a second, while Tom Blackman in the Magpies' goal was rarely tested.

"They had possession but never had it in good areas," said Lacey.

"As soon as they crossed the halfway line we closed them down and the game plan was working well.

"Tom had a couple of saves to make but was never really troubled."

Lacey admitted that the visitor's late strike was a bitter pill to swallow.

"It was probably our rustiness that got us into trouble. The equaliser came in the 98th minute. We were fully in control up to that point, but fitness forced us into changes.

"I feel sorry for Liam Beaumont because he has been excellent for us in midfield, but he had to slot in at left back and it was his mistake that led to the goal.

"It was a 25 yard screamer and at that time of the game was a bitter pill to swallow.

"The lads were exhausted in extra time but after the late setback they rallied really well."

Heath have the opportunity to inflict immediate revenge when they travel to Kingsbury on Saturday and Lacey is hoping it can be the start of a successful run in for the Magpies.

"We go to their place on Saturday and are looking to get our league campaign back on track.

"I do believe it'll be the fittest side that'll win the league.

"There are too many games in too short a time - with Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday all the time - which is a slight shame.

"We're confident of a top three finish. We're only a win away from the top so there's nothing to stop us from winning this league.

"I'm disappointed to be out of the cups because I really felt we could get to a final this year.

"Our cup form has been non-existent over the last couple of years and it's something me and Wes (Awad) are keen to rectify.