Shepshed Dynamo 3 Pinchbeck United 2
Pinchbeck United’s Emirates FA Cup run is over after a battling 3-2 defeat at higher-graded Shepshed Dynamo on Saturday.
The Knights, who won for the first time in the national competition in the previous round, did take the lead at Butthole Lane thanks to Elliot Foster’s free-kick on 35 minutes.
Dempsey Arlott-John (42) equalised for the Step Four side just before half time, though, before the same player fired the hosts ahead just before the hour.
Dynamo would have thought they were home and dry when Zayn Hakeem made it 3-1 (73), but Ben Johnson’s strike two minutes later set up a grand-stand finish.
“It think it shows just how far we’ve come as a team that I was left disappointed not to get something,” said Knights boss Lewis Thorogood. “Don’t get me wrong, Shepshed were deserved winners.
“But we were right in the game at the end and could have pinched a replay.
“We were missing a few key players at the back and the balance wasn’t quite right in the first half.
“We did look a little unprepared for a Step Four side if I’m honest and we looked a little tired too.
“But we went in 1-1 at half-time against a good side – I’d have snapped your hand off at that before the game.
“I was a bit disappointed at the manner of the two goals we conceded in the second half, but when they moved the ball quickly we couldn’t really live with them.
“We looked fatigued after the busy start to the season we’ve had, but when we got a goal back and made it 3-2 it was Shepshed who looked dead on their feet.
“We got a bit of a second wind and really pushed for an equaliser that we just couldn’t find.
“Credit to Shepshed, they deserved the win and saw the game out well.
“But if I think back to the Pinchbeck of last season, we’d have capitulated and lost by four or five.
“So, all in all, losing 3-2 at a Step Four side that has had a strong start to the season isn’t bad.
“We got that first FA Cup win this season and this small run has been fun for everyone at the club.”
Knights: Smith, Stevens, Perry-Burdett (Worthington 67), Spafford, Parsons (Vieira 67), Johnson, Wiles (Melson 74), Foster, Williams, Peasgood, Weir-Daley. Not used: Wilkinson.
Attendance: 165.
