HOLDERS Hullbridge Sports were knocked out of the Gordon Brasted Memorial Trophy after a narrow penalty shoot-out defeat to last year’s final opponents Haringey Borough.

The game ended 2-2, after goals from Harry Skinner and Kurtis Clarke had put the hosts forced the tie to a shootout.

But they couldn’t beat runaway Essex Senior League leaders Haringey from 12 yards, as Jamie Buffin and Harry Skinner missed the decisive kicks.

One of the biggest surprises of the night was the fact the game at Lower Road was on, but Sports started on top and took an early lead.

Skinner crashed home an effort from outside the box to hand the hosts the advantage after only five minutes.

But Haringey, not used to trailing in games, came back to turn the game on its head.

An error from Perry Dunn let in Anthony McDonald and he slotted home.

Crawford Plenderleith was deputising in goal for the absent Bobby Mason but he was helpless to prevent the visitors taking the lead in the second half, when Daniel Aristidou’s effort took a deflection and looped in.

But five minutes later the match was once again level, Dunn picking up the ball up in his own half and playing in Matt Brinklow, who passed one player before firing hard and low into the advancing Clarke who hit it on the run in to the bottom corner.

With no more goals it went to penalties.

And, after Aaron Hunwicks, Sam Taylor and Matt Clarke had scored for Hullbridge from the spot, but it wasn't enough as Buffin missed the target and Skinner’s effort was saved as Haringey ran out 5-3 winners.