Chipstead exited their third cup competition in 11 days, as they lost 2-0 at home to Balham at the High Road in the first round of the Cherry Red Records Premier Challenge Cup on Saturday afternoon

Chips had made a good start, & Edd Mbango had the ball in the net early on, but the flag was up for offside

Home keeper Tiago Santos David comfortably pushed away a Balham free-kick, while Cameron Harrison led the offensive, crossing just beyond Mbango & then just being beaten to the ball by the onrushing keeper

Deshon Carty turned James Mansfield's free-kick just wide, & Yonas Emhatsion hit one past a post too

Mbango did manage to beat the offside trap just before the interval, but his low cross just eluded Carty at the far post, & it remained goalless at the break

Storm Glautier headed a free-kick goalwards, but Carty was penalised for a handball - seconds later, Glautier was pulled up for a challenge in his own box, the Balham no. 9 converted the spot-kick & the visitors led 1-0

Chipstead had to push forward for an equaliser, & Carty was denied by the keeper - as Chips brought on their substitutes, Emhatsion also had a shot saved by the keeper

As time ran out, the Balham sub no. 12 made it 2-0 on the breakaway

Chips couldn't manage even a consolation goal, but they don't have long to wait for their next match, away to.....Balham in the league at Tooting & Mitcham's ground on Wednesday evening