A second-half Nathan Valentine goal was sufficient to secure a thoroughly deserved victory for Scarborough Athletic, who play in the division below Reds.
And Lee Andrews, Reds joint-boss, offered no excuses, accepting that Scarborough were the better side on the day.
“We huffed and puffed and never seemed to get going, the first half just passed us by,” he said.
“We were aggressive at the back but lacked that quality in midfield and up front and always wanted too many touches on the ball. You cannot afford to do that in games of this nature.”
He praised skipper Aaran Taylor and defender Matty Douglas but, other than their valiant contributions, thought there were few positives to take from a game which rewarded the winners with £3,000 prize money from the FA.
Reds had gone into the First Round Qualifying tie at Scarborough’s brand new stadium without Rob Wilson, Nathan Waterston, Sam Smith and James Earl (all injured) and Anthony Wright (work), then saw Jamie Mellen limp off early in the second half with what appeared to be a groin strain.
Earl is expected to return tomorrow night when table-toppers Warrington Town visit Borough Park (7.45pm).
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