‘GUTTED’ Three Bridges boss Paul Paili inisted his team were heroes after an agonising FA Vase penalty shoot-out exit to Gresley today.
Bridges bowed out 7-6 on penalties after 120 minutes of football left at them at 2-2 in their FA Vase Fourth Round replay.
Left-back Charlie Cooke saw his spot-kick saved by keeper Gary Hateley after both both sides put away their first six penalties and it went to sudden-death with the result of the two ties being being decided by which ever side made the first mistake.
Faili said: “We played incredibly well and worked them all around the park. They were exceptional, we were exceptional, they’re a great club, we’re a great club. I hope they (Gresley) go on to win the Vase because they deserve it.
“We were poor in the first half but in the second half were good and both teams competed to a high level.
“Simon Lehkyj was amazing and it was big thing when he went off. Joel O’Hara was absolutely superb and didn’t stop working and grafting.”
In a repeat of his heroics in the first match between the two sides, Lehkyj kept his side in the game, making a series of excellent saves including a penalty in the first half when he denied Royce Turville in the 17th minute.
Against the run of play Bridges took a 1-0 lead into the break with a simple goal on the rebound by Tim, Rivers after James Grant’s initial effort was blocked.
Gresley equalised on 63 minutes with a header by Turville who took advantage of Lehkyj being unable to move across the goal suffering from cramp for which he later was substituted.
Bridges regained the lead through a fine strike by Abu Touray from 12 yards following a free-kick 20 minutes into extra-time.
Finally with just two minutes to go Gresley scored their second equaliser with a volley in the area by Rob Spencer.
A total of four hours play over the two ties was then settled with the agonising penalty shoot-out which sent the visitors into rapture having earned a place in the last 16.