Prime returned to cup action with the visit of Hunton Reserves from the Maidstone league. The home side welcomed back Barker, Ellis, Gray and Hodges to the starting lineup, with Barnham returning to the bench.

On the hottest ever day recorded in October, the game had the feel of a pre-season friendly and it was obvious that the heat and rock hard surface would be a factor.

Hunton pressed in the early stages and they took the lead after 15 minutes when Kerton palmed away a shot into the path of the onrushing striker who tucked home easily.

Prime had to make a change moments later when Sander took a knock on his ankle. Barnham came on at left-back, with Ellis moved into midfield and the energetic Flamank switched to the right.

The Numbers started to play their football and Abu was unlucky to see his 20 yarder tipped over by the keeper.

Hodges and Barker were linking up well up front and Henshall's mazy runs were causing the visitors problems - but he failed to get his shot away on several occasions.

Prime scored their first competitive goal of the season after half an hour. Abu's through ball released Barker who slotted home comfortably.

But Hunton were soon back in front when their right winger escaped Barnham's clutches and his cross picked out an unmarked striker to nod home.

Prime were well in the game at the break but after the interval Hunton were doing most of the pressing. Fortunately Cary and Gray were both in solid form and with Davis and Barnham putting in committed challenges, Kerton was not forced into any serious action.

As the half went on, Prime started to come into the game more and more. Flamank had been lively throughout and Henshall was still waltzing his way through Hunton tackles, but there was still no end product.

With 15 minutes left, Goldsmith and Postlethwaite joined the action in a last throw of the dice. It very nearly paid off when Goldsmith played a 1-2 with Barker and his cross-shot was turned agonisingly wide by Barker.

Prime paid for that minutes later when a short corner was cut back to the Hunton midfielder and his driven cross bobbled its way towards their striker who smashed home from well inside the box.

There was still time for Goldsmith to fire over the bar from distance but in the end time ran out on the home side.

All in all it was a much improved performance from Prime and if they will look to take this into next week's match at Leigh.