FA Cup - Sean Cooke has a shot on goal

Nantwich Town were cheered to the rafters as they more than held their own for most of their FA Cup 1st Round defeat away at League Two Stevenage.

But they were ultimately undone by superior set-plays and clinical finishing, toppling out of the competition with a 5-0 defeat.

The scoreline was harsh on the Dabbers who more than matched their opponents three divisions above them for the first hour of the contest.

The hosts took the lead on 15 minutes when Matty Godden nodded home a free-kick for the first of his hat-trick.

Nantwich continued to push for a leveller before the break and created good chances from Sean Cooke and Harry Clayton went close.

Early in the second half, again Nantwich posed a real threat to their League Two opponents, and Cooke perhaps had their best opportunity on the hour mark.

Nathan Cotterell beat his man down the flank, fired a low cross in which Cooke blasted narrowly over the top.

It proved a crucial miss, as minutes later Stevenage made it 2-0.

Stevenage - first goal - FA Cup
Stevenage open scoring

This time, a corner was powered home by Jonathan Smith’s header, giving Will Jaaskelainen no chance.

Although Nantwich battled on, their spirit was broken by that goal and Stevenage went on to grab three more in the final 20 minutes.

Smith added a second header, before Godden was put clean through to fire past Jaaskelainen after Jones lost possession for the Dabbers near the halfway line.

Godden completed a hat-trick with a tap-in from close range when Nantwich failed to clear their lines.

Nathan Cotterell chases down the wing
Nathan Cotterell beats his man

Throughout, the Dabbers faithful never stopped cheering on the boys in green who can now put their FA Cup adventures behind them.

Still in the bottom three in the Evo-Stik Premier League, Nantwich now have to focus on improving their league position.

You can see a video of highlights of the game on the BBC website here.

(Pictures courtesy of Jonathan White)

Cup - Theo Stair and Harry Clayton are both flattened in the penalty area

Harry Clayton turns his man and smashes his effort on goal
Harry Clayton fires on goal
Harry Clayton and David Forbes fight for the ball
Clayton and Forbes in action
Dabbers fans enjoy the atmosphere before the game
Loyal Dabbers fans
Pre-match group photo - Cup
Pre-match team pic
Nantwich manager Dave Cooke shakes hands before the game with Stevenage manager Darren Sarll
Managers Dave Cooke and Darren Sarll
Suspended captain Sam Hall interviewed by BT Sport
Sam Hall on BT Sport
The FA film crew talk to a Dabbers fan
Fan interviewed by FA crew

Dabbers manager Dave Cooke observes the play

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