HEREFORD Pegasus felt they were knocked out the FA Vase by an off-side goal as Racing Club Warwick beat them 2-1 at Old School Lane.

Tom Smith's controversial winner with 20 minutes remaining settled after an initial effort cannoned off the post with claims for off-side.

"Considering we had six first team players out I thought we played really well," said Pegasus joint manager Mick Panniers.

"I was very impressed and we ran them right to the wire for me, it was probably our best performance of the season.

"I think we were unlucky to not at least take it to penalties but we got undone by a dodgy goal from my perspective.

"It would have been nice to go through but the performance I thought was quality."

It looked to be a long afternoon for Pegasus when their non-league step five visitors opened the scoring on nine minutes with Smith capitalising on a defensive mistake.

In the opening 30 minutes Warwick had further chances with Smith sending an effort across goal and wide.

However, Panniers' side came back into the tie and had two glorious chances before the break.

Firstly teenager Cawley Cox thought he had scored but saw his effort ruled out for off-side.

And then moments later Pegasus saw an effort rattle the crossbar.

The second half was an even contest and Pegasus deserved their 62nd minute equaliser with Harrison Summers firing home.

Two minutes later Pegasus almost took the lead with George Andrews skipping past the goalkeeper only to see his effort cleared off the goalline.

However, higher league opponents Warwick eventually made their breakthrough with Smith settling the tie with a controversial second.

In their opening two league games 10-men Pegasus were beaten 4-0 at Malvern Town before playing out a 0-0 draw with Moreton Rangers.

"Pre-season has gone really well, we got battered at Malvern in our first game but had a player sent off after 20 minutes which really killed the game," added Panniers.

"Moreton at home on Tuesday we did everything but score and sometimes you get them games.

"We've had an indifferent start to the league but I thought today we played really well against a quality side.

"We're still looking for a couple of players to bolster the squad a bit.

"I'm pleased with our start, but we just haven't converted chances so far."

Meanwhile, Wellington almost recorded a famous FA Vase victory over higher graded Highgate United before crashing out on penalties.

The hosts took an early lead before Jamie Price's free-kick was tucked away by Matthew James to draw level at the break.

Highgate regained the lead early in the second half and Matthew Apperley was forced into a save to stop them going further ahead.

However, a Price free-kick again unlocked the Highgate defence allowing Jake Robinson to slot home.

Wellington then stunned their hosts by taking the lead with Matty James bringing the ball down before lobbing the goalkeeper.

However, Highgate had the final say equalising late on before winning the tie on penalties.