Harpenden Town lost 3-2 to White Ensign in the quarter-finals of the Anagram Records Feeder League Trophy on Saturday at Rothamsted Park.

Town were left frustrated after spurning the chance to draw level in the 75th minute when a Harry Hunt penalty was saved by the visitors’ goalkeeper.

The match produced promising debuts for new signings Ryan Plowright and striker Jamal Harvey, who scored with his second touch of the ball when brought on in the second half.

Manager Danny Plumb said: “It was the worst first-half performance we have played this season. There were some positives with Jamal scoring as soon as he came on and Ryan also played well.”

Harpenden went behind after only 12 minutes when Ensign’s Dan Williams got the ball on the edge of the box and lobbed Town keeper Sam Taylor for the first goal.

The hosts drew level before the break when Hunt pounced on a through ball and, despite appearing to mishit the ball, saw it fly into the corner of the net.

Two minutes later Hunt again picked up a Mark Hitchcock through ball but missed out with a great save from keeper Joe Robbins.

White Ensign took the lead early in the second half from a free kick on the edge of the box which Gary Ticehurst blasted into the top corner.

Harpenden came from behind again in the 61st minute when Hunt picked up a pass on the right, fired across the face of the goal and substitute Harvey got a touch into the net.

Ensign got a disputed penalty shortly afterwards and although Taylor got a hand to it the ball went into the top corner.

But despite late pressure Harpenden were unable to force an equaliser.