The FA Trophy dreams of Market Drayton Town were shattered last night – but they were applauded off the pitch by the home supporters.

Drayton, who have lost all nine of their Evo Stik League division one south matches to date to sit rock bottom, were sunk by Ben Tomlinson’s 72nd minute goal to a side sitting fourth in the division above.

But, once again, manager Simon Line found consolation in his team’s display.

“We were outstanding,” said Line, after the first qualifying round tie replay.

“When you get the home support staying behind 10 minutes to clap us off the pitch, I think it gives you an indication of how well we played.

“The best team – by a long way – lost last night.”

Drayton were well on top during the opening period with Martyn Davies, Mark Grice, Marc Stallard and Paul McMullen all going close.

They were left reeling by a sucker punch when Tomlinson fired home from a corner with just 18 minutes left on the clock.

Drayton, however, continued to pour forward. and they went close to snatching an equaliser which would have forced extra time with Darren Beach, Will Richards and Grice all going close during the frantic closing stages.

“We should have been out of sight by half-time and it was much the same at the start of the season half.,” added Line.

“The goal we conceded was the only time we didn’t defend one of their set pieces properly and we bombarded them again after that.”

By JAMES GARRISON