Baldock Reserves were denied a North Herts League and cup Double by Magnum. The Baldock side won 3-0 in the Division One Cup final against Fairlands last Thursday night. Less than 48 hours later, they ran out of steam in extra-time against Magnum to lose

Baldock Reserves were denied a North Herts League and cup Double by Magnum.

The Baldock side won 3-0 in the Division One Cup final against Fairlands last Thursday night.

Less than 48 hours later, they ran out of steam in extra-time against Magnum to lose the Division One play-off.

In the cup final, Baldock were on top against a spirited Fairlands side and hit the bar with a long-range effort from James Smith within the first couple of minutes.

It was not long before they took the lead when Lee Buck got behind the defence and had an easy tap in.

Fairlands, despite being under pressure, were denied an unlikely equaliser when Baldock's keeper pushed away a shot with minutes remaining in the half.

An action-packed second half started with a penalty for handball against a Fairlands player but Kevin Poolman saved Adam Shelley's spot-kick.

Baldock was still on top and were awarded another penalty when Kevin Liggett brought down a forward. Cameron Brawley stepped up this time but once again an excellent stop from Poolman saved the day.

Pressure eventually paid off when Michael Masters found himself alone in the penalty area and he calmly smashed the ball into the bottom corner.

Shortly afterwards, Paul Martin hit a powerful 25-yard shot into the bottom corner to make the game safe. It was still all Baldock and only the excellence of Poolman prevented a far heavier defeat.

Saturday's divisional play-off was a close affair with the game played at Whitwell Village. Both defences were on top for long spells which meant the game went into extra-time.

The deadlock was broken when Peter Morrison scored with an excellent free-kick to put Magnum in front.

Baldock were feeling the effects of their cup final 48 hours earlier with Magnum now on top. A brace of goals from Alim Uddin completed the scoring to give them the title.

Magnum can complete their own Double tonight (Thursday) when they take on Premier Division Whitwell Village in the Benevolent Shield final at Hitchin Town FC (7.30pm ko).

RESULTS

(Thursday, April 20)

Division One Cup, final: Fairlands 0 Baldock Res 3.

(Saturday, April 22)

Division One play-off: Magnum 3 Baldock Res 0 (aet).

FIXTURES

(Tonight, Thursday)

Benevolent Shield, final: Magnum v Whitwell Village (at Hitchin Town FC, 7.30pm ko).