IT was heartache for Maldon and Tiptree boss Alan Kimble as his side dropped out of the Essex Senior Cup on penalties.

Nine-man Maldon were level at 2-2 at full-time with visiting AFC Hornchurch on Tuesday night before losing the third-round tie on penalties.

Kimble said: “All the hard work you put in goes down the drain when it goes to penalties.

“It was disappointing but it was another improved performance.

“But it is coming. I think we have stopped the rot.

“We scored two goals and now have to keep a clean sheet at the other end and move on from here.”

Maldon travel to Hythe Town on Saturday in the FA Trophy preliminary round.

Kimble said: “I won the Trophy with Ebbsfleet United in the 2007-8 season.

“It was a great occasion and it is a good competition.

“Also it will be good to get some money into the club.”