North West Neasden A boss Jamie Cole blamed poor fitness for a defeat which dashed their hopes of becoming the first Maccabi League team to win five cups in a season.

Last season’s double winners suffered their first defeat of the campaign as they were eliminated from the London Challenge Cup, losing 3-1 to Vista in the third round. Lee Cash scored for Neasden.

Cole said: “Even though we lacked in terms of fitness due to a lack of games, we still had the chances.

“It’s hard to swallow but with our Sunday FA Cup tie next weekend, it gives us the perfect opportunity to keep our season on track.”