Robins exited the Emirates FA Cup Tuesday night at the Red Industries Stadium, Newcastle under Lyme, Staffordshire losing 3-2 against Newcastle Town. Robins were up against it after conceding in the 29th minute from the hosts’ skipper Tommy Van Der Lann who slid home a low cross past Alex Harris from Ben Woods.
The host’s lead was doubled just before the stroke of half-time in the 44th minute, a low cross from the left fell for Kyle Stubbs to power home which saw the Robins 2-0 down at half-time.
The Robins made two changes at the start of the second half with Jordy N’Gathe replacing Sam Bailey and Alfie Dunn replacing Aaron Heap. The hosts had a chance in the 46th minute with Tom Jones’s attempted lob cleared off the line.
Only on the pitch for three minutes and Alfie Dunn found himself in the right place at the right time to peg a goal back for the Robins in the 48th minute.
Isaac Graham had a go from a distance in the 56th minute, but his effort was tipped just over the bar by Alex Harris just before Nathan Barry stung the palms of Harris with a powerful strike in the 59th minute.
Castle put the tie to bed with a near-post strike from the edge of the box by Tom Jones on the hour. At the other end keeper Joe Slinn made a great save at full stretch from a header and Van Der Laan’s strike from the edge of the box went just wide.
A penalty was awarded with Levi Steele stepping up to slot home for the Robins in the 90th minute, but even with 4 minutes of added time, it wasn’t to be for the Robins.
Newcastle Town play in the Northern Premier League and progress to take on Westfields of the Hellenic League Premier Division this Saturday, Westfields edged out Daventry Town 1-0 on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the Robins make a long trip to Trungle Parc, Paul, Penzance TR19 6AZ to take on Mousehole in the first Southern League Division One South match this season.
ROBINS STARTING X1 (vs Newcastle Town): 1 Alex Harris, 2 Sam Bailey (46′ 20 Jordy N’Gathe), 14 Daniel Djurovic, 18 Jyrel Bojang, 6 Michael O’Regan, 10 Amer Awadh (79′ 3 Rhys Bennett), 4 Josh Barlow, 12 Reegan Messenger, 17 Levi Steele 90’p, 7 Ethan Moran, 8 Aaron Heap (46′ 11 Alfie Dunn 48′)
SUBSTITUTES: 16 Ben Alexander, 15 Pelumi Maxwell
ATTENDANCE: 195