HIGHGATE United crashed out of the FA Vase at the first time of asking after suffering a 3-2 extra-time defeat to lower-ranked Brocton.
Despite Gate going into the game with a depleted squad, with Trevor Edwards, Brad Catlow, Richard Batchelor, Kurtis Revan, Marco Adaggio, Nathan Pulisciano and Sam Oji missing from the usual starting line-up, manager Ashley Pulisciano was able to draft in Todd Yahiya, Trea Bertie and Connor Deards as well as four U21 players for the bench.
Gate fell behind in the 12th minute when Dan Lomas netted for hosts Brocton but the visitors recovered well to dominate the remainder of the opening half.
George Curry levelled proceedings on the half-hour mark from McCauley Manning’s pass before Lei Brown struck nine minutes later to give Gate a 2-1 lead at the break.
Gate continued to play the better football against determined opposition who managed to force extra-time when a poor back pass in the 86th minute allowed James McGrady to sneak in and score.
The contest was decided seven minutes into the first period of extra-time when McGrady made the most of more hesitancy at the back to ensure Brocton were in the hat for the next round of the draw.
Gate return to Midlands Premier action on Saturday when they play host to second-from-bottom Wolverhampton Sporting Community.
