IT was a mixed Easter weekend for Malpas as they were unable to follow up an excellent Mid-Cheshire League win with cup progress.
Mark Jones's men claimed a 3-2 victory at Lostock Gralam on Saturday, but had no answer to Wellington Amateurs on Monday as they crashed out of the Commander Ethelston Cup semi-finals in a 3-0 defeat.
Against Lostock, Malpas were dealt a cruel pre-match blow when midfielder Richard O'Keefe fractured his ankle in the warm-up.
But the visitors started brightly and went 1-0 up on 25 minutes when Eddy Barlow anticipated Simon Bradley's flick and volleyed home.
Phil Downey made it 2-0 and when the same player was felled in the area, Bradley stepped up to score from the penalty spot before half time.
The hosts fought back with two goals in the second period but were unable to draw level.
Malpas failed to make it two wins in three days on Monday, however, as they lost to Wellington at neutral Yockings Park, Whitchurch.
John Hurine made two brilliant goal-line blocks in the first half to ensure Malpas went into the break on level terms.
But Malpas threw it all away after the restart, allowing Wellington to fire home three goals.
Boss Mark Jones said: 'In the first half we more than matched Wellington, but in the second half too many players were off their game. I know we played a tough match on Saturday, but that is not an excuse.
'We only had one real chance on goal and never really threatened Wellington's defence.'
Malpas travel to Golborne Sports tomorrow.
