Gainsborough boss Russ Wilcox declared himself “really proud” of his players after their first FA Cup second round tie since 1952 ended in a narrow 1-0 defeat at Harrogate.
The EFL hosts secured victory courtesy of Dean Cornelius’ 57th-minute header, but were left clinging on in the final stages against the Northern Premier League team who kicked off the night as the lowest-ranked outfit left in this season’s competition.
Ex-Scunthorpe and York chief Wilcox also hailed the support of the Lincolnshire side’s 1,050 travelling fans.
He said: “I’m really proud of the group. We didn’t quite bring out our A-game for this match, but we pushed them close and I think we should have had a penalty when Frazer (Preston) was two-footed.
“I’m a bit disappointed we didn’t get that decision, and with our first-half performance, but they are three leagues above us and are full-time players and good athletes.
“It’s not just about tonight either – it’s about the whole run. It’s been remarkable to do something at this club that hasn’t been done for more than 70 years and our fans were incredible from minute one to the end tonight. It’s just a shame we couldn’t get a goal for them.”
Harrogate manager Simon Weaver admitted it proved a testing night for his team, saying: “They played very well and threw the kitchen sink at us in the last 15 minutes. It could have been an easier night, that’s for sure.
“They were full of resilience and have ability in their team and I hope they go on to get promotion this season. We wanted to be a goal up at half-time because we knew they would grow in belief the longer it stayed 0-0.
“That didn’t happen but our goal, when it did come, also gave us a bit of belief and I’m really looking forward to switching on the TV for the draw now because you never know what could happen.”
