By Jack Danby
Hanley Town fell to a 1-0 defeat at Brackley Town in their FA Cup Third Qualifying Round replay on Tuesday night.
Carl Dickinson’s side put on a valiant display to take a side three divisions higher all the way in what was the furthest Hanley had ever gone in the competition.
The visitors’ goal came midway through the first half when Lee Ndlovu was at the back post to convert Ellis Myles’ cross.
It was Hanley who created the first opportunity of the game in just the third minute, a counterattack with purpose resulted in Louis Dodds firing his shot over the bar.
Josh Green then drove forwards in the 16th minute and sent a dangerous cross along the six-yard box, but it could not find a Hanley man at the back post.
Chris Dagnall also had a good chance for Hanley five minutes before the break, he bent his effort just wide of the post from outside the area.
Hanley came closest to scoring in the 84th minute when substitute Kyle Stubbs let fly from range and forced the Brackley ‘keeper into a smart save.
Player-manager Dickinson told the Club’s media that he was proud of his sides’ efforts over both games.
He said: “I cannot speak high enough about what the lads have given me over these two games, against a team who are second in the National League North. We took them all the way.
“If the lads cannot go away now and show what they are about and take this forward then it would be criminal for us.”
Hanley are next in action on Saturday as they welcome Lichfield City to the Payaro Stadium, with their attention back on Midland Premier Division.