DUNMOW put in a commendable performance against opposition 65 league places above them, but in the end three second-half goals sealed a tough cup defeat.

The visitors made a fist of things in the first half of Saturday’s Dave Strachan Inter-divisional cup second round game and reached the break at 0-0.

But three Ferrers strikes during a 20-minute period in the second 45 sent the Dunmow lads crashing out.

The first half started with FC surprising the hosts with surging runs from Lee Waddingham and Nick Green from midfield.

It remained even and half time arrived with the visitors looking comfortable at 0-0

However, second half problems stemmed from an injury suffered by the impressive Max Rendell. That meant he had to be replaced by sub Oliver Coopersmith with Matthew Coopersmith moving into the centre of defence.

This should have meant a minor change to the Dunmow line up but, inexplicably, a change to the formation and positions of three other players led directly to them conceding the first goal of the game because of confusion over positions.

Dunmow then gifted Focus Ferrers a second goal minutes later when a direct run went unchallenged, an unstoppable shot being unleashed past keeper Matthew Boreham.

Jamie Smith conceded a soft penalty midway through the half for number three, although the spot kick was nearly saved by Boreham, but Dunmow found themselves three-nil down with just 20 minutes to go.

They continued to press but could not score what would have been a well-deserved consolation goal.

Dunmow return to league action at the Recreation Ground on Saturday against

league leaders St Clere’s with a 2pm kick off.