St John the Evangelist Primary School, Carterton, were out of luck at the ESFA Under 11 Seven-a-side Schools’ Cup at Watford FC Academy.

They finished bottom in Group B, but put up a spirited show to draw their first two matches before suffering a narrow defeat in the third.

A goal from Tom Dove gave them a 1-1 draw against Bedgrove (Aylesbury) in their opening game.

They then held eventual winners Meltham (Huddersfield) to a goalless draw.

That left St John’s still in with a chance of qualifying for the semi-finals.

But a 2-1 defeat by Willows (South Warwickshire), with Sam Newcombe on target, ended their hopes.