STOCKBRIDGE’S bid to reach the semi-final of the Hants Intermediate Cup was dashed when they went down 1-0 to Cadnam United on Saturday.

Mike Barker started up front for the Robins for the first time since rejoining the club and he partnered Ashley Childs, who has been unavailable for a few weeks.

The home side missed a chance to take an early lead when Hewer dragged his shot wide from close in, then, midway through the half, Childs went close on two occasions for Stockbridge as they tried to forge a lead.

The rest of the half saw Cadnam on top and they got their reward when they took the lead through Stickells just before the break. Stockbridge started the second half well, with Lee Hamilton making some good runs down the left and it took a good save by the home keeper to save his shot after one such run.

Soon after, good work by Barker saw him lay the ball through to Childs, whose shot went just wide.

Frustrated Stockbridge then had Jamie Pollard and Jazz Beavis both booked for rash tackles within a space of five minutes. Both teams had chances to score just before the end, with the home side shooting wide with five minutes to go and, in time added on, Jake Freemantle saw his header from a corner go just over. On balance, Cadnam probably just deserved to go through.

Tomorrow Stockbridge are home to Bush Hill (3pm).