DESPITE an impressive team performance and a memorable goal from Vinnie Proudlock, Hexham crashed out of the Reeves Independent George Dobbins League Cup on Saturday. 

The Northern Alliance Division One side were underdogs in the clash against Premier Division outfit AFC New Fordley, which they lost 2-1. 

And the green and whites got off to a good start. Dangerman Dylan Mabunu found himself through on goal in the opening stages of the game, but the home keeper came rushing out to smother the ball at the forward’s feet. 

Hexham remained on the front foot, and there was a moment of magic from youngster Proudlock in the 25th minute. 

The teenager cut in from the left and fired a powerful right foot drive high above the keeper, which found the top corner. 

“It was one of those goals that you won’t forget,” said Hexham manager Martin Lowes. 

“It was a skilful run by Vinnie and he finished it off with a powerful shot from outside the box. It was a bit of quality and the keeper was never saving it.”

Hexham took their 1-0 advantage into the half time interval, and there was no change to the scoreline until the 65th minute, when New Fordley equalised. 

The hosts took the lead from a set-piece 10 minutes later.
Lowes added: “It was disappointing because we gave away a corner which could have been avoided, and they scored from that corner. 

“It was just one of those days. In general we played very well against an excellent Premier Division team.

“We didn’t take all of our chances, and made a mistake which led to their second. 

“It’s those fine margins which cost us. But I cannot fault our lads at all. 

“Their effort was there, and on another day it may well have gone our way. 

“You have to give New Fordley some credit because they were clinical.”
Hexham are now out of all cup competitions, but they sit eighth in the league with games in hand on the sides above them.

Lowes added: “We can concentrate on the league now for the remainder of the season. 

“We have a lot of good young players who are learning and improving all the time.

“There’s a lot to look forward to in the New Year.”