ALRESFORD Town exited the Sydenhams Wessex League Cup last Wednesday night after a thrilling 4-4 draw against Shaftesbury at Arlebury Park.

The Magpies raced into a 3-0 lead thanks to goals from Steve Hall, Sam Burt and Lukas McCartney, but the visitors produced a superb fightback and went 4-3 up.

Jack Wiffen’s equaliser took the tie to penalties, but Shaftesbury won the shoot-out 5-4.

Alresford produced the perfect response on Saturday though, when they won 3-1 at home to Hamworthy United in the Sydenhams Wessex League Premier Division.

The visitors took the lead at Arlebury Park, but the Magpies were back on level terms through Chris Mason’s penalty.

Tom Sands gave Alresford the lead in the second half, and Mason scored another penalty to make it 3-1 to the Magpies.