A GOAL two minutes from the end of extra-time broke the hearts of AFC Aldermaston as they lost 2-1 in the final of the Bucks and Berks Intermediate Cup to Hale Leys United.

Aldermaston manager Terry Rooney said: “We gave a good account of ourselves and it was a good day, but very disappointing in the end.”

For the first 25 minutes, Aldermaston were not at the races and twice the crossbar denied Hale an opening goal as the sides went in for half-time level at 0-0.

Rooney's men took the lead on 47 minutes, when a long throw by Jamie Porter was headed into the net by Michael Porter.

With Aldermaston's centre backs Martin King and Alex Sylvester stopping Hale's route one football, they nearly made it 2-0 as Matt Wilkins and Kai Parton-Edey forced fine saves.

Hale levelled things on 70 minutes and then a superb free-kick from Wilkins looked set to give Aldermaston the lead, but a brilliant save denied him.

In the first session of extra-time, Wilkins saw his shot rattle the crossbar, before Hale grabbed their late winner.

Aldermaston return to Hampshire Premier League action with a home game against Headley United tomorrow, while they travel to Clanfield on Saturday.