Wallingford put in a superb display to finish runners-up in the National Mixed Plate final at Sheffield.

After beating former champions Solihull 4-3 in a heart-stopping semi-final, Wallingford went down 5-2 to National League side Barford in the final.

Barford pressed from the start, but Wallingford keeper Darren Barber made numerous excellent saves, including one from a penalty.

Helped by tireless midfield running from Josie Brettell, Lottie Allen and Erica Robinson, Wallingford trailed just 1-0 at half-time.

In the second half, two well-taken goals from centre midfield Alun Lloyd kept Wallingford in with a chance, while two rising young stars, Megan Jones and Bryony Hearn, excelled.

But trailing 4-2, Wallingford pushed forwards near the end and conceded a fifth.

The match of the weekend was the semi-final against Solihull, who opened the scoring before Wallingford stormed back to lead 3-1 at half-time thanks to goals from Charlie Lester, Angus Jones and captain Nick Golding.

After the break, Solihull scored twice to make it 3-3.

Fending off a barrage of attacks on their goal, Wallingford countered with only minutes to go and Steve Marks scrambled home a fourth goal.

Wallingford’s defensive line had to withstand further frantic battering in the dying minutes, with Tim Chamberlain sweeping away from an open goal and Barber keeping Solihull at bay.