Wealdstone’s hopes of winning the double were scuppered after the Stones lost 3-2 at home to Hampton & Richmond Borough in the Middlesex Senior Cup final on Saturday.

Gordon Bartlett’s side won the Ryman Premier Division title this season but Hampton and Richmond thwarted their bid to round off the campaign with a second trophy.

Bartlett said: “It would have been the icing on the cake and it is an opportunity missed but it cannot spoil a fantastic season.”

The Stones lost 3-1 at home to Boro back in December and the visitors repeated the trick despite Wealdstone taking the lead.

The hosts opened the scoring after just three minutes when Charlie Penny fired them into the lead.

But the equaliser came in controversial circumstances as referee Reuben Simon awarded Hampton a free-kick for a clash involving Wes Parker and Charlie Moone despite the Stones defender being elbowed in the nose. Dave Tarpey punished Wealdstone as he curled his effort around the wall and into the net.

Tarpey gave Hampton & Richmond the lead before the break when the striker hit a half-volley past Garry Malone.

Wealdstone equalised shortly after the restart when a free-kick was flicked into the net by Sean Cronin.

But the visitors scored a spectacular winner when Tom Hickey smashed home a 30-yard half-volley which gave the keeper no chance.

Bartlett said: “I thought we started very well and scored an early goal but then it was a very strange decision to award them a free-kick which led to the goal. It totally changed the game and it was an understatement to say I was frustrated.

“For their winner, Hickey will not hit a shot any sweeter than that and there is not a lot you can do about that.”

Bartlett added: “We had spells during the match when we played well but with no real end product. But we will make do with playing at a higher level in the Conference South next year.”

Meanwhile ticket sales are going well for the Champions champagne reception which takes place on Sunday.

The evening costs £25 for the two course supper which starts promptly at 5.30pm start or £15 for the finger buffet which runs from 7.45 pm at the Vale.

To buy tickets contact Leo Morris on 07931 167417, Jez Albert on 07903 805861 or club president Paul Rumens on 07710929692 or via email at rumens@gotadsl.co.uk.