HARRIERS FA Youth Cup run came to an end on Wednesday night, as Mansfield Town Under-18s ran out 3-1 winners at Aggborough.
Victories over Hereford Pegasus, Chasetown and Worcester City saw the young Reds progress into the First Round Proper of The FA Youth Cup for the first time in seven years.
Drawn against Football League opposition in Mansfield Town Under-18s, it was always going to be a tough battle for Harriers, who found themselves 1-0 down inside two minutes.
Following a period of end-to-end play as both teams tried to settle into the tie, chances for Harriers soon came. Bruce Minaker saw an effort rebound to George Dalton who fired over, before later in the half Harriers struck the bar from range.
On 41 minutes it was the visitors who doubled the advantage though, as the young Reds went into the interval 2-0 down.
Having been in this position in previous rounds, Harriers were on the front foot in the opening stages of the second 45, and on 51 minutes, Minaker made it 2-1. Looking up to see the 'keeper off his line, the Reds skipper found the net from around 40 yards out.
Harriers continued to press and created a number of chances, however, seemingly against the run of play, they were pegged back to 3-1 down on 61 minutes.
The young Reds continued to show fighting spirit, and it looked as if arrears were to be reduced when Dalton skipped inside the box, until he fired his shot straight at the Mansfield shot-stopper.
Fifteen year old Hayden Baker was named on the bench for Harriers, and was given his chance on 67 minutes. The youngster enjoyed spells of possession down the left flank, before seeing a glancing header go wide, and a pull back effort blocked late on.
The visitors did well to slow the game down in the closing stages as the rain poured down at Aggborough. With the game ending 3-1 to Mansfield Town, the Cup run ends for Harriers Academy at the First Round Proper, but what a run it has been!