HARWICH and Parkeston chairman Tony Armstrong admitted his Essex and Suffolk Border League Representative team paid a heavy price after suffering penalty shoot-out heartache in their FA Inter-League Cup clash.

The Border League side entertained the Kent County League in a quarter-final showdown at Brantham Athletic on Saturday and the tie finished 1-1 after 90 minutes.

A period of extra-time failed to produce any more goals.

However, it was the Kent side that progressed after winning the shoot-out 4-3.

Shrimpers stalwart Armstrong (pictured) manages the team and said: “It was an absolutely devastating result.

“We missed far too many chances and paid the penalty.

“I felt sorry for the players, who have put so much effort in to get as far as we have.

“We were by far the better team but, unfortunately, it just wasn’t to be.”

After a goalless first period, Hatfield Peverel’s Lawrence Hale put the hosts ahead before Kent equalised.

Both teams finished with ten men, after having a player sent off.

Meanwhile, Armstrong’s Harwich side drew 2-2 at home to Wormingford Wanderers, in a Border League contest at the Royal Oak.

They were given a hard match and, by the final whistle, were happy to have grabbed a late equaliser.

Wormingford took the lead midway through the first half after a free-kick into the corner of the net from Martin Curtis.

Luke Barnard then took two free-kicks and although he went close with his second effort, he could not match Curtis’ strike.

Jake Richardson did well in midfield and, as usual, skipper Ollie Lamb was a tower of strength for the Shrimpers.

Barnard popped up with an equaliser as Harwich enjoyed a better spell but, within ten minutes, Curtis put Wormingford 2-1 ahead.

Harwich created a good chance but Sam Thompson, in a one-on-one situation, had his shot blocked by the Wanderers goalkeeper.

Overall, Wormingford had looked likely winners and it seemed as though the hosts were about to slip to defeat.

However, in the 85th minute, they mounted a final effort with Alex Akinola breaking through and, from an angle, he rolled his shot into the far corner.

Tomorrow, Harwich are away to Kelvedon Social.