Nantwich battle, but bow out of FA Cup, while Congleton keep up league resurgence with fine win

NANTWICH TOWN were unable to bridge the gap to National League North side Macclesfield, but put up a brave fight in losing 2-0 in the Emirates FA Cup third qualifying round.

- Phil Sherwin

HOT SHOT: Eden Bailey was on the scoresheet once again as Hanley Town claimed another victory.

Justin Johnson and Danny Whitehead were both wide of the target for Macc before Joel Connolly fired an effort over the bar for the Dabbers.

After holding their hosts well, Nantwich fell behind four minutes into the second half. Whitehead played the ball up to Josh Kay and he turned to strike a shot past Ben Garratt and into the net.

Connolly fired a free-kick over the bar before Macc had a goal disallowed for a foul in the 70th minute.

They did double their lead, though, in the 77th minute when Luke Duffy squared the ball for Danny Elliott to sweep home. Nantwich were just left with the losers' prize money of £1,875.