Hanley Town’s dreams of FA Cup success came to an end this afternoon as they lost 4-1 to Ilkeston Town of the Northern Premier League.
However, the scoreline doesn’t reflect the performance as Micky Morton’s men took the lead and had a Ricardo Fuller penalty saved.
After a difficult opening 20 minutes, Hanley took the lead on 21 minutes when Nail Cope saw his effort slip through Ross Durrants’ hands in roll into the back of the net.
Just a few minutes later and Brian Barnton had a headed chance at the back post drop just wide of the goal.
However, Zak Goodson made it 1-1 on 34 minutes, when he broke through beat Ben Chapman. The former Leek keeper had played well making several key saves throughout the afternoon.
Just three minute later and the hosts were ahead as Goodson again involved squared the ball to Nat Watson to make it 2-1.
Despite the scoreline, Hanley kept going and brought on Ricardo Fuller for the last 20 minutes and he had a vital chance to make it 2-2 when he was fouled in the area. He stepped up and despite taking an excellent penalty, Durrant guessed right and made an equally fine save to preserve Ilkeston’s lead.
With just five minutes to go Goodson got Ilkeston’s 3rd as he was played in and beat Chapman from the penalty spot.
Ilkeston made the game safe on 88 minutes when Mason Lee won a penalty and Alex Troke stepped up from the penalty spot and sent Chapman the wrong way to book the Robins place in the next round.
Hanley also had Cope sent off for dissent when he gave the penalty.
It was disappointing for Hanley as they had performed well throughout the run and can take heart from an excellent journey in the great cup competition. They are next in action on Wednesday as they visit Avro in the North West Counties league.
I caught up with Hanley Town manager Micky Morton after today’s match:
