Play-off penalties heartbreak for Ampthill

The Amps lost at River Road in the FA Vase in October to penalties and after a brave performance it was spot kicks again that denied them in heartbreaking fashion.

Town took the lead in the first half only for the hosts to snatch a 2-1 advantage at the break.

The Amps found an equaliser and went close to a winner, but lost out 7-6 on penalties to leave Eaton Socon to go to Desborough on Saturday to try to seal the second promotion place.

The Amps gave a good account of themselves in the first half and, after Gareth Hunt shot over with a free kick, a centre from Danio Brown on the half-hour flashed across the goalmouth.

But Town got their reward for a hard-working show when Danio Brown's 35th minute run down the wing caused problems in the defence and the ball fell for Freddie Knight to fire in the first.

Yet the Eagles - who finished third while Town were a place below - had other ideas and hit back before the interval with Chris Khoo twice getting the better of Town's back line in a five minute spell just before half-time.

But the Amps were not finished and on the hour Freddie Knight was on hand to score his second and level matters after Brown swung in a teasing cross which he finished offf from 12 yards.

Sam Holmes had two chances to secure a famous win, clipping a lob just over past the advancing keeper before sending another chance inches past the post.

With Town repelling any home danger the tie went to penalties, and after 13 kicks were dispatched Josiah Ramsay's penalty was saved by the keeper to end Ampthill hopes after a see-saw cup tie with Fred Knight's double not enough for the brave Amps.

It has been a great effort in achieving a play off place with their fourth place slot helped by a tremendous away record of 13 wins.

But it was a bitterly disappointing end to the campaign and they now have to shake off the misery and mount a challenge again in a few months.