West Auckland’s dreams of a third Wembley appearance in the Buildbase Vase were smashed by Plymouth Parkway in their fifth round tie on Saturday.
Defeat was hard to take for West, as they led with a first half goal, but Plymouth got back into the game and ended West’s unbeaten 14 game record in all competitions.
West manager Gary Forrest said; “I’m really disappointed. Too many players failed to turn up – they need to show more character.”
The Western League side had a couple of early chances before West midfielder Lewis Dodds fired just over the bar from a good position, then striker Amar Purewal was unlucky to see another effort go just wide.
West broke through just before the half hour mark, when Alex Francis split the home defence for Purewal to run through and slot the ball past the keeper.
Plymouth hit back, and after keeper Tom Flynn made a good save, he was beaten just before half time Rob Farkins levelled from close range off a free kick in a goalmouth scramble.
Plymouth missed a penalty for handball at the start of the second half, but they took the lead on 63 minutes through Billy Palfrey.
West had their own penalty claims turned down, before David Dowson put a good chance over the top late in the game.
The two other Northern League clubs involved are through to the last eight for the first time in their histories.
Consett beat Deal Town in their long distance tie by 2-0 with goals by Luke Carr and Arjun Purewal in the last 15 minutes in front of an 866 crowd.
Manager Terry Mitchell said; “This club has come a long way, but to get to the last eight is fantastic.”
Hebburn beat Longridge thanks to a late goal in extra time by Robbie Spence.
Manager Kevin Bolam said;” We created enough chances to win two games.”
The draw for the quarter finals will be made at lunchtime on Monday.
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