Hednesford Town 3, Vauxhall Motors 0: VAUXHALL'S away day miseries continued as they crashed out of the FA Cup on Saturday.
Despite a strong performance in this Fourth Qualifying Round tie, the Motormen were again left ruing a host of missed opportunities, ending their hopes of a third appearance in the first round in four seasons.
Manager Owen Brown was disappointed with the result and said: 'It's obviously very frustrating to go out of the cup at this stage, especially as we felt we had a good chance to progress. But it basically came down to missed opportunities again and once we fell behind we were always going to have to chase the game.
'It's a shame as we would have fancied the draw against Histon, but now we need to try and get people fit and focus ourselves for the league match at Lancaster.'
Vauxhall began the match brightly and were unlucky not to take the lead on 10 minutes when the returning James Olsen forced home keeper Tommy Whittle into a fine save.
On 25 minutes Whittle was again on hand to thwart Tom Rooney from close range, before his clumsy challenge on Peter Cumiskey did not result in a penalty, leaving the Motormen furious.
And seven minutes from half-time the visitors fell behind after Rob Heath's exquisite chip eluded the reach of the advancing Dittmer.
Vauxhall were stunned and on the stroke of half-time they gave themselves a mountain to climb, when they were caught out by a quick free-kick which allowed Andy Bell to turn and fire past the stranded Dittmer.
The second half saw the Motormen lay siege to the Pitmen's goal, but the inspired Whittle produced a string of fine stops to frustrate Leighton Mc-Givern, Olsen and Brian Moogan.
Vauxhall did find the net through substitute Karl O'Donnell, but the offside flag cut short their celebrations.
And as the visitors piled forward in hope of a lifeline, they were exposed in defence by substitute Paul McMahon, whose cool finish made it three in injury time.
Vauxhall: Dittmer, Olsen, McDermott, Willis, McNulty, Parradioni (Glendenning 61), Moogan, Lawton, Rooney, McGivern (O'Donnell 63), Cumiskey (Addo 63). Subs not used: Garrity, McNutt.
Vauxhall Youth travel to Skelmersdale United's counterparts this Thursday night in the FA Youth 3rd qualifying round, (kick-off 7.45pm). The winners will be away to Wrexham in the First Round Proper.
Meanwhile, Vauxhall's first XI return to action in the Conference North on Saturday with a trip to Lancaster City. Kick-off 3pm.
