Saffron Walden crashed out of the FA Cup First Qualifying Round, losing to Malden Town on Saturday. Assistant coach John Butchart said he was disappointed with his team s performance against the higher-league opposition. We gave them too much room to p

Saffron Walden crashed out of the FA Cup First Qualifying Round, losing to Malden Town on Saturday.

Assistant coach John Butchart said he was "disappointed" with his team's performance against the higher-league opposition.

"We gave them too much room to play and allowed them time on the ball," he said. "I don't mind losing if we've given it 100 per cent, but I don't think all the lads did that today."

Playing at their home ground at Cantons Lane, in front of a 200 strong crowd, Walden got off to a bright start and had the better of the early chances. After 15 minutes, winger, Spike Bell made an excellent run into the box and went past two defenders, but he could not beat the Malden keeper, Darren Gould.

Malden made their breakthrough with a brilliant strike from winger Yohange Lewis after 24 minutes. After being given time by the Walden defence to compose himself, Lewis was able to pick his spot and curl the ball past the hand of outstretched keeper, Kieron Badcock.

Walden had chances to equalise, with the best of them falling to hard-working centre-forward Ben Riches who sent his shot over the bar.

Trailing by one goal at half-time, Mr Butchart felt his team "were still in the game," and came out looking to level the score. It did not take long, and six minutes into the second half, Ben Riches, restored parity with an instinctive strike. A long throw from Greg Strong and a flick on from Michael Barker put the ball in the path of Riches to fire home.

The celebrating home crowd may have missed the goal that put Malden back into the lead merely two minutes later. Walden lost their concentration and conceded a free-kick in a dangerous position; the poor marking that followed gifted the visitors with an easy goal. Matt Cutchey tapped in Malden's second and winning goal.

Walden made several changes half way through the second half to try and pick the team up, but the remaining chances were few and far between.

After the match, Mr Butchart praised his team for "not giving up," and mentioned Ben Riches for his "good performance and hard-working attitude," but added that a number of players had lost their concentration.

The Bloods start their FA Vase campaign on Saturday away at Eton Manor.

l The Bloods were due to host t Halsted last night (Wednesday) in the league.