HALSTEAD Town were knocked out of the FA Vase at the first-round stage after losing 3-0 at home to Harleston Town at Milbank Stadium, writes KEN GILLIARD.

Humbugs goalkeeper Jack Cherry parried away an early Brandon Pickess effort and shortly after, visiting forward Ryan Crisp should have done better with a free header at the back post.

The early pressure was on the home goal with Nathan Page proving effective but again Cherry stood firm, pushing the ball to safety.

Halstead got their first sight of goal on seven minutes as Dean Ager played in Jamie Everleigh and his driving run ended with a side-footed effort that sailed just wide.

But Harleston went ahead on 12 minutes when Asa McGeachy's driving run down the right saw him cross for Crisp to slam the ball into an empty net.

The hosts were surrendering the ball too often and a series of corners and free-kicks was piling pressure on the home defence.

Cherry somehow saved Joe Manning's header from three yards out but Nathan Scarborough spurned a great opportunity for the hosts as he skied over, after Everleigh had played the ball back to him.

Everleigh's effort from six yards then hit the inside of a post and fell into the arms of keeper Ollie Kellet-Green, as the hosts enjoyed a much better spell.

Frodsham's deflected strike went off for a corner, as Halstead went in at the break behind.

Cherry was in action straight after the restart, making a great stop from a Rob Turner free kick and then blocking Crisp's effort from the rebound.

Cansdale's flick header was comfortably collected by keeper Kellet-Green.

On 65 minutes, McGeachy had the best chance of the half to that point as Crisp squeezed the ball through to him but he fired high and wide from just inside the box.

The visitors went close a few minutes later when Turner's free-kick found Harrison Hide and his effort was deflected wide.

Halstead had their moments and a high ball in by Julian Simon-Parson was headed goalwards by Alfie Lambert but the keeper pouched the ball, while Scarborough scuffed an effort wide after pinball in the visitors’ area.

The hosts' cause was not helped when Cansdale was sin binned and they were destined to play ten minutes a man down.

They paid the ultimate price as speed merchant McGeachy broke away and played in Turner, who calmly dispatched the ball beyond Cherry and in.

Harleston were making the most of the extra man and when Crisp got behind the Halstead defence, the hosts were grateful to Cherry who came out quickly to block.

Turner's goalbound shot was then deflected off for a corner but Harleston sealed their win when McGeachy got through and coolly chipped the advancing Cherry to get the goal his performance deserved.

Ager nearly pulled back a consolation goal late on but his effort was just off target, as Halstead bowed out.