Ware’s chances of retaining the champion of champions title won by last year’s under-18s fell from their grasp thanks to a Cheshunt side that held an edge for much of the game. It was strange though that but for a fixture pile up, this match might have paired both Ware’s under-17s and under-18s guaranteeing the club a semi-final berth.

Instead, the under-17s, who played in Cheshunt’s division, failed to win it when they lost to the bottom club as they sought to complete a heavy end of season schedule. It may be frustrating for the club but none of this detracts from a worthy quarter final win by the Ambers.

Ware did start well as they harried and chased Cheshunt into early mistakes and were a goal up after five minutes, Jack Clemence getting the ball home as the visiting defence failed to clear. However, this proved to be a wakeup call for their opponents who started to move the ball around well as the contest developed.

After Rakim Janneh was just wide with a chance for Ware, Harry Caine was on target for Cheshunt at the other end of the pitch. Having been forced wide Caine’s shot was easily gathered by Fletcher Hudson in the Ware goal but minutes later Hudson was under pressure again as the ball was scrambled away from in front of goal.

A minute after that Cheshunt broke down field and although Hudson parried the shot away it fell to Caine who, in a better position than before, had no problem firing home the equaliser.

Hudson saved again at the midpoint of the half, punching away Jesse Friend’s fierce shot but Cheshunt took the lead five minutes later. Good work by Ware's Janneh released Clemence for a good chance but he was robbed of the ball at the last moment. As Ware appealed vainly for a penalty Cheshunt broke and Reef Cole scored well from a narrow angle.

The visitors were further ahead five minutes after half time when Hudson again saved well but saw Charlie Lika score from the rebound. Four minutes later Sam Reynolds had reduced the deficit after good work by Clemence but as Ware pushed for an equaliser Cheshunt were capable of absorbing pressure and breaking when the chance came.

It did on 64 minutes with Louis Quinn-Harrison making it 4-2 before Aston Watson-Weaver fired in an unstoppable shot five minutes later. Ware pulled one back with ten minutes to go as Alexander Krzykala looped the ball past James Mather but they could make no further progress despite a good eight minutes of added time.

Ware’s consolation was to receive their medals and trophy for winning the division (see cover picture by Ian Bush) whilst Cheshunt can now look forward to the semi-final.

Ware: Fletcher Hudson, Sam Phillipou, Sam Elliott, Jasper Hudson, Monty Clark, Tom Moring, Sam Reynolds, Jack Clemence, Sayyid Cissokho, Rakim Janneh, Alex Greaves. Subs (all used): Alex Krzykala, Jake Harvey, Bobby Quinn.