A weakened Hampstead & Westminster men’s side were knocked out of the English Cup at the weekend, losing 2-1 away against Premier Division leaders Holcombe.

Hampstead were missing eight players, who were away on international duty, but they started strongly and Hugh Bushell shot wide before Steve Dowds scored with a penalty corner five minutes before the break.

Holcombe responded in kind after the break as James Day levelled the scores with a low flick, and they went 2-1 up soon afterwards.

H&W fought for an equaliser and Neil Hamilton hit the post, while Hampstead appealed for a penalty stroke with a minute to go when a Marc Edwards deflection seemed to be blocked by a defender – but their cries fell on deaf ears.