EVESHAM United produced a valiant display but were unable to spring an upset as they exited the FA Trophy at the second round stage with a 3-0 defeat at home to Boston United on Monday.
The Robins had reached the second round for the first time in 19 years and were far from disgraced as they gave their National League North visitors of two levels higher plenty to think about.
However, the Lincolnshire side proved too strong and ultimately emerged comfortable victors to book a third round tie at home to AFC Fylde on Saturday.
Nevertheless, this was a memorable occasion for the crowd of 370, many of whom are now eagerly awaiting news of when Evesham will be able to resume Southern League Division One South action.
Connor Dimaio had the first opportunities for the former Football League side as he tested Robins keeper Lewis Clayton, fired an audacious effort wide from the centre circle and then sent another rising drive over the crossbar.
Boston captain Jay Rollins opened the scoring in the 34th minute from close range after the hosts could not clear the danger from Joe Leesley’s corner.
The ball eventually found the net after Scott Garner’s header was cleared off the line and Luke Shiels rattled the bar with the follow-up.
Josh Horrell stung the palms of the Boston keeper as the hosts chased an equaliser before the break but it was 2-0 on 57 minutes – albeit in fortuitous circumstances – when Leesley’s corner evaded everyone and crept in at the near post.
Home skipper Matt Williams slid in on the line to deny Fraser Preston a third for Boston, before Leesley’s free kick was turned aside by Clayton.
There were chances for Evesham through Aaron Basford and Josh Hunt, but Boston put the icing on the cake in added time when Preston’s cross from the left was thumped home by substitute Jordan Burrow from 12 yards.
Report courtesy of Evesham United FC.