Wapping were made to pay for their failure to convert their chances after slipping to a 2-1 defeat at St Albans.

Visitors Wapping started well and took the lead through Ollie Salvesen after fine build-up play from Rob Pryce.

But St Albans turned the fixture around with two quick-fire short corner goals in two minutes mid-way through the second half. Wapping pressed forward and did everything but equalise.

A tap-in came a split second after the umpire awarded a short corner; the visitors missed a penalty stroke, hit the inside of the post and were thwarted by a number of impressive saves from short corners and close-range opportunities.

After the game Wapping coach Ryan D’Souza said: “We are disappointed with the result today but not our performance. On another day we could have scored at least six goals and we paid for not converting gilt-edged chances.

“We remain confident we will achieve our objective this season to reach the National League.”

Wapping ladies edged out Saffron Walden 4-3 in a seven-goal thriller at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre.

A strong and determined Wapping side immediately took control of the match and a great run down the left-hand side of the pitch by Kate Silberman gave Louise Song the opportunity to slot the ball into the goal to make it 1-0.

Saffron Walden responded instantly, stepping up the pressure with a number of quick counter attacks.

And a short lapse of concentration from Wapping gave the away side the chance to make it 1-1.

With fresh determination, Saffron continued to attack and a goalmouth scramble saw Wapping fall 2-1 behind.

Wapping responded with patience, working the ball through the midfield and directing their attacking play down the left and right wings. Jo Ward was rewarded for her quick runs, equalising on the stroke of half time.

Saffron Walden came back from the break fighting and again quick, open play saw them regain the lead. Wapping’s next chance fell to Natasha Close who took the opportunity to make it 3-3.

Both sides continued to push for the final goal, winning a number of short corners and looking dangerous on the break.

The hosts were put under significant defensive pressure but managed to win one final short corner with five minutes of the game remaining.

With a strong sweep from the left-hand side, Charlotte Keizer scored to make sure of the points.