Another trip to Tring Athletic ended in penalty disappointment as United couldn’t emulate their match-winning performance at The Grass Roots Stadium in the league a few weeks.

The succumbed to yet another defeat on spot-kicks following a compelling 2-2 draw on Tuesday night.

The result sustains the club’s unbeaten run in terms of open play but that won’t soften the blow of a second cup exit this season at the hands of their opponents.

Manager Cristian Colas deployed a strong lineup despite a congested schedule ahead this month. The majority of the players involved in Saturday’s stunning attacking display at London Colney started and they began to make offensive inroads early on.

The visitors controlled possession without creating many notable opportunities including Kane Farrell volleying narrowly wide.

United were punished for their lack of a killer instinct in first-half stoppage time.

Athletic broke swiftly from defending a corner and Chris Blunden’s shot from the left-hand side of the box nestled into the bottom corner.

Colas replaced Matty Cooper and Dave Iwediuno with James Cooper and Claudio Ofosu during the interval and the latter’s movement up front was noticeable.

His introduction couldn’t prevent the hosts wrestling control of the contest and coming close to doubling their lead on several occasions – including an effort which struck the post and one requiring a goal-line clearance from Jordan Wright.

United finally found the route to goal and the sight of Charlie Black celebrating is becoming a familiar one.

He headed in a corner from the left for his sixth in four games.

Parity was only restored briefly as Luke Dunstan unleashed a fierce shot that found the back of the net.

United roared back with a goal deep into injury time with Ofosu slotting away a penalty.

Memories of the 3-0 shoot-out loss in the League Challenge Trophy at this stadium in early September loomed large as the men in blue floundered and the men in red held their nerve to triumph 4-2.

The resilience to come from behind twice late on is encouraging even if it culminated in another cup departure.

Crawley Green visit Second Meadow on Saturday, KO 3pm.