BRACKNELL Town failed in their bid to reach the Bostik League's Velocity Trophy final when losing 3-2 to AFC Hornchurch in their semi-final on Tuesday night, writes Dave Wright.

The Robins took a 15th-minute lead through Adam Cornell, following Joel Jacobs' corner, only for Alex Bentley to equalise with a header from a corner six minutes later.

And it needed a couple of outstanding saves from keeper Chris Grace to keep Town on level terms.

Charlie Stimson headed the Premier Division side ahead just before the hour mark, but Town restored parity with a Liam Ferdinand penalty on 77 minutes after Cornell's cross had been handled.

They were not level for long, however, with George Purcell netting the winner after 81 minutes to take Hornchurch through to the final, where they will face Enfield.

Skipper Dave Hancock commented: "It's never nice to lose a cup semi-final, especially when you drive over two hours to get there, but it's now time to focus on the league and promotion."

He also thanked all the fans who made the long trek to Upminster, saying "it means a lot" and added: "We will put it right on Saturday."

Bracknell host lowly Molesey at Larges Lane, looking to follow up their outstanding 5-1 win at play-off rivals Waltham Abbey last weekend.

Ferdinand bagged a hat-trick with goals in the eighth, 73rd and 86th minutes, while Cornell (20th) and Kensley Maloney (61st) joined him on the score sheet.

"It was an impressive performance and I am confident we will make the play-offs," said manager Geoff Warner.

Bracknell stay third in the South Central Division, 15 points adrift of runaway leaders Hayes & Yeading, but just one behind second-placed Marlow.

Binfield have now gone eight Hellenic League Premier League games without a win after sharing two goals with Windsor at Stag Meadow on Tuesday, a run which includes four 1-1 draws.

Manager Roger Herridge commented: "It was another game we should have won, but I'm grateful of the point in the end.

"I can't knock our performances, but we need to find a win from somewhere soon."