It was an afternoon to forget for Elston United as they came across a well-organised and in-form Stapleford Town in the County Cup. Trailing 1-0 at half-time, The Clams were undone by two quick goals at the start of the second half and, despite a late rally, were unable to prevent a 4-0 defeat.

Despite injuries and absences forcing several changes to the match-day squad, Elston started the better team and James Scott went close after 10 minutes when his header from a Teddy Furman corner whistled over the bar. Slowly and steadily, however, Stapleford began to get a grip of the game and went ahead after 30 minutes when the Stapleford striker cleverly chipped the ball into the far corner of the goal from 18-yards.

It was the first five minutes of the second period that changed the course of the game. On 47 minutes a Stapleford Town corner was headed home emphatically by their un-marked central defender, and almost immediately after the re-start another Stapleford attack was poorly defended by the Elston team and their striker was on hand to add a third goal.

Elston managed to rally after these setbacks and started to generate some attacks of their own, with Will Veys, Scott and Teddy Furman all having chances to grab a goal back, but the result was confirmed after 67 minutes when the referee awarded a penalty which was emphatically dispatched by the Stapleford striker.

Further chances came and went for Elston to find a consolation goal, but it was not to be, and the Clams can now happily focus on league football for the remainder of the season!

Elston United: Sam Adcock, Barney Repper, James Smith, Sam Lloyd, Archie Dillon (Matt Spencer 70), James Scott, Toby Cullen, Harry Johnson, Teddy Furman, Rui Thacker (Jordon Forth 65), Will Veys (Steve Griffiths 75).