Marcham's chance of county cup glory ended in a disappointing 1-0 extra-time defeat away to ten-man East Berkshire League side Alpha Arms Academicals in the semi-finals of the Berks & Bucks Junior Cup.

The North Berks League side will have left desperately unhappy with their performance, which was well below the high standard they have set this season.

In a turgid first half which remained goalless, Marcham’s Phil Stokes had a shot stopped on the line despite claims for handball.

Although Alpha’s goalkeeper was carrying an injury, he was rarely troubled – with Marcham’s only shot on target from Stuart Armstrong.

Avin Comsa got the winner in the first period of extra time, before they had a player red-carded late on.