SWINDON Primary Schools were knocked out of the Witney Cup by holders St Albans in extra-time.

Both teams battled against the elements before St Albans grabbed a 2-1 extra-time victory.

St Albans tried to take control of the game early on, but Munton marshalled his defence and goalkeeper McCarthy dived bravely to collect the ball at the feet of a St Albans player more than once.

Swindon looked threatening, especially when Bray was in possession.

Pocock and Clifford often played too deep to put serious pressure on St Alban's defence.

Midway through the first half St Albans took the lead.

McCarthy was forced to clear a back-pass through a crowded area, but the ball went straight to a St Albans player who drilled his shot back through the crowd to score.

Swindon introduced Thompson into the midfield shortly after.

Savage came in from the wing to play a more defensive role where his strength and resolve allowed Roberts and Thompson to win important tackles and pounce on even the slightest mistake.

This forced St Albans down the flanks which kept Valentine and Redford busy.

Finnegan and Munton marked Saint's front men tightly and the half ended with the home side a goal to the good.

Swindon began the second half as they had ended the first. Savage lost possession but then put in a great sliding tackle to halt a St Albans attack.

Redford lost a 50-50 challenge in the air but minutes later bravely headed the ball clear when under pressure.

Every player showed the same gritty determination as St Albans found that every loose ball was being chased and tackles were hard but fair.

This commitment didn't go unrewarded. Swindon broke from mid-field, Bray collecting a lovely weighted pass and unleashed a powerful right foot drive into the net.

This breakthrough seemed to inspire Swindon. Hawkins came on for Clifford as Thompson was switched to attack.

As the second half drew to a close both sides knew that the next goal would be crucial.

St Albans thought their chance had come when McCarthy tried to clear a through ball but mis-kicked but fortunately he was able to clear.

And, Swindon nearly won the match when a low drive from the right beat the Saint's keeper only to hit the post.

The tie went into extra time and St Albans secured victory with the sole strike of the added period.

Swindon will need to show the same determination next week when they travel to Southampton for Round 2 of the Southern Counties' Cup.