SOUTHEND United suffered FA Youth Cup disappointment at Roots Hall tonight, losing 2-1 to Harpenden Town.

Shrimpers midfielder Beau MacDonald cancelled out Freddie Bellinger’s header in the second round qualifying clash.

But a second half header from Ariel Murati meant it was Town who triumphed.

Blues threatened early on with MacDonald having a deflected low shot smothered by Harpenden goalkeeper Liam Reed before the visiting shot-stopper did well to keep out Ronnie Durussel’s close range effort from Joshua Jackson’s left wing free-kick.

After standing firm, Harpenden hit back and opened the scoring in the 38th minute when George Clarke’s left wing corner was headed home by Bellinger from close range.

However, the lead did not last long as Blues equalised on the stroke of half-time with MacDonald guiding home a low, right footed shot from 12 yards after Mitchell Ward’s left wing cross had been deflected into the path of the midfielder.

The Shrimpers were on top at the start of the second half with Durussel seeing a rising half volley tipped over the crossbar by Reed before Julius Nwike headed Mitchell Ward’s right wing cross wide of the left post.

Harpenden replied with Fyn Sweeting having a low, left footed shot well blocked by the legs of Blues goalkeeper Charlie Brown before the hosts wasted a golden chance to go in front when Joe Poxon’s through ball sent Sisanda Maguranyanga clean through on goal.

But the striker could not make the most of the opportunity as his shot was well saved by the advancing Reed.

The miss soon increased in significance too as the visitors regained the left in the 58th minute following another goal from a set piece delivery.

This time, Clarke curled in a fine left wing free kick which enabled Murati to score with a looping header high into the right hand side of the net.

The Shrimpers hit back with MacDonald having a well struck 25 yard shot smartly saved by Reed before the visitors also came close to scoring with Sweeting sending a low right footed shot against the outside of the right upright.

Moments later, Harpenden threatened again with Holland having a deflected effort tipped wide of the left post by Brown who then held another low shot from Sweeting.

The Town winger then wasted an even clearer chance to score as he charged through on goal, only to see his shot saved by Brown.

However, a third goal was not needed as Harpenden saw out the closing stages to secure their place in the next round.