The game started in bright sunshine with the air so still the opposition coach could be heard twenty miles away. Hitchin started well with two chances in quick succession - Adam getting a good connection on a lobbed through ball, but finding the angle too tight, before a threaded through ball from Sahosh found Billy Cook only for the opposition keeper to smother the ball.

However it was clear that Saffron Walden were not going to be intimidated and shortly afterwards launched a swift counter attack that Joe did well to break up. At this time Hitchin had the better play in what was still a pretty open match. Continued pressure resulted in a corner from Sahosh which Ben flicked on to find George with his back to goal who coolly turned to bury a low shot into the goal 1-0. To their credit Saffron Walden did not panic and continued to be dangerous on the counter attack. Having won a free kick it was whipped in with a curling delivery and crept in at the near post 1-1.

By the time the second half had started things had got a colder and darker, and the mood of the travelling fans who had used the Glastonbury style toilets was not helped when a speculative Saffron Walden shot from outside the box crept in 1-2. The boys reacted well to this set back and pressed hard for an equaliser but were struggling to play with their usual fluency, Ollie found space on the edge of the area and found Ben whose shot was just wide. However when it looked as if time was running out a counter attack found Billy Cook up front but isolated, who held the ball up well before releasing the ball to Adam who raced on to slot home the equaliser. 2-2

For the last 5 minutes of normal time Hitchin were dominant but could not nick a winning goal. Extra time ensued but with the break doing Hitchin no favours and early looping corner from Saffron Walden was not blocked and went straight in 2-3. Whilst the boys never gave up the usual composure started to desert the team. The game became increasingly scrappy and fractious and whilst there were a few good chances the equalizer proved elusive.

So the reigning champions go out of the cup. Having impressively seen off Buntingford & Stevenage Borough, a spirited Saffron Walden team could not be overcome on the day. However with nearly half the league matches to play there is a lot to play for.