MALPAS put up a brave fight before bowing out of the Cheshire League Division Two Challenge Cup on Saturday.

The Wrexham Road outfit twice came from behind at home to in-form Sandbach United before falling to a 3-2 extra-time defeat after Richard Hamner was sent off.

Ryan Wilkinson and Roy Cardus saw first-half chances come and go for the hosts while Keano Williams made one fine save at the other end.

An even game, played in swelteringly hot conditions and featuring lots of good football, got the goals it deserved after the break, with Danny Lloyd twice on target for a Malpas side for whom George Haller impressed on his debut.

The tie was eventually settled by a penalty after Hammer received his marching orders for hauling a Sandbach striker down in the box.

Tarporley Victoria’s losing run now stands at five matches after they went down 2-0 at home to Golborne Sports in the Division One Challenge Cup.

Man-of-the-match James Cooke did not deserve to be on the losing side.

Tarporley are holding a dinner dance at Peckforton Castle on Saturday, October 22.

The evening, which celebrates the club’s kit sponsorship with the castle, will include a three-course dinner followed by a set from Liverpool comedian Chris Cairns and a DJ.

Tickets can be bought from Vics players or committee members.