Sevenoaks Town bowed out of the Emirates FA Cup on Saturday afternoon after a narrow defeat on the road at Vanarama National League South side Ebbsfleet United.
Two second-half goals ultimately ended this tie, Sevenoaks’ best-ever FA Cup run, at the Fourth Qualifying Round stage.
Town suffered the loss of striker Ryan Gondoh after just two minutes to a hamstring injury but his replacement Freddie Parker was first to come close to opening the scoring on this sunny afternoon in north Kent.
Sevenoaks then got the ball in the back of the net after Karn Miller-Neave’s wonderful free-kick was met by captain Corey Holder, but his header was immediately ruled out for offside.
Ebbsfleet were hanging on but two second half strikes finished off the match and Sevenoaks’ dream of a place in the first round proper.
Town’s manager Harry Hudson said after the defeat: “I am proud because of the performance that we showed, but it feels like we could have caused a huge upset. The club has done themselves proud and that’s really important.
Ebbsfleet knew they were in for a game. It’s been an awesome cup run. Now I’m looking forward to focusing on the league.”
• We wish Ebbsfleet all the best going forward as they host Halifax Town in the First Round Proper.
