ST ALBANS crashed out of the EHA Men's Cup on Sunday after a disappointing 3-0 loss to Premier Division Teddington on an afternoon where Julian Halls' men just could not find the back of the net.

The Tangerines pinned Teddington back in their own half during the opening quarter and almost took the lead when Peter Ellis robbed Jeremy Symonds but the Teddington keeper quickly got down to block the shot.

However, the visitors began to impose themselves on the game and got the goal that they had been threatening five minutes before the break.

The Saints defence failed to clear properly and the ball fell to the stick of James Mulcair, five yards out, who finished well to leave Balfour with no chance.

Any chances that Saints had of rescuing the cup-tie were quickly killed off after a lacklustre ten minute period from the Tangerines gifted their opponents two goals.

Teddington went two ahead when Nick Ripley's shot was blocked into the path of James Webber who tapped home for close distance and Webber struck again minutes later after being teed up by Andrew Crow.

Although Saints threw everyone forward for the last 15 minutes, the goal just would not come with Halls, Hawkins and Jennings striking the inside of the post all coming close but Teddington held on for the victory.

November 8, 2001 15:30