Stafford boss Graham Deakin reveals ‘immense pride’ after FA Cup shootout loss

Stafford Rangers manager Graham Deakin revealed his “immense pride” after his part-timers took Grimsby to penalties following a thrilling 3-3 draw before seeing their FA Cup adventure come to an end.

Eighth-tier Stafford, 89 places below their League Two opponents, led 2-0 and 3-2, only for the visitors to hit back in normal and extra-time before triumphing 3-2 on penalties.

Deakin said: “You always think of the magic of the FA Cup, but unfortunately it wasn’t our day.

“We thought we could win it at 2-0, but were always worried even then because they’re a League Two side and always capable of scoring goals.

“The biggest disappointment was that they didn’t carve us open – it was three balls into the box.

“We look back on this with immense pride. We have put smiles on faces and shown the club around the world on TV, so we want to make sure we have more days like this.”

Firefighter Darrhyl Mason put the hosts in front after 130 seconds and Aston Villa youth coach Jack Birch added a second after 43 minutes.

But set-piece headers from Harvey Rodgers and Maldini Kacurri in the 74th and 76th minutes sent the tie into extra-time.

Mason scored again in the 93rd minute to put Rangers back in front, but Geza Turi poked home to level again.

In the shootout, Grimsby substitutes Andy Cook, Cian Doyle and Justin Amaluzor netted, with Jamie Walker hitting the bar.

Grimsby goalkeeper Harvey Cartwright denied Harvey Washington, Birch and Luca Navarro, while Stafford substitutes Luke Banks and Kyle Sambor both scored.

Grimsby manager David Artell said: “Stafford are a very good side with players above their level, so we had to match their endeavour, work-rate and tenacity.

“We showed great character to come back, but the application of some in the first half was below what is required.

“The performance wasn’t very good – certainly in the first half – but the second half was much better once we changed personnel and formation.”

On doing his homework for the shootout, Artell revealed: “I phoned the chairmen of Nantwich and Kidsgrove – where I played – and the manager of Newcastle Town, so there’s always ways and means of finding out about players.”