FOOTBALL: HIGHGATE suffered a second cup exit in the space of a week.
After losing out to Burton Albion in the Birmingham Senior Cup, they were then dumped out of the Charity Cup at the hands of Paget Rangers.
It ends Highgate’s purple patch of form, which has seen them go on an unbeaten run of six games in the Midland Football League Premier Division.
Joint managers Ashley Pulisciano and Craig Woodley will be hoping for a big improvement when Gate host in-form Coleshill in the FA Vase on Saturday.
Despite fielding a much changed line up, which included recent signing from Redditch United Donico Johnson, Gate bossed the majority of what was a disappointing encounter creating numerous chances.
But they were on the receiving end of a Paget side that scored three of their four chances of goal.
Lei Brown’s suspension meant a debut starting place for Johnson alongside Marco Adaggio up front, Corey Currithers, Connor Mooney, Aaron Brown and Scott Rickards all carrying knocks and rested with places on the bench.
The hosts started brightly enough with keeper Josh Benton forced into a good save from Johnson.
But they were caught on the break when Paget’s Zach Brown outpaced defenders to slip a shot between Brad Catlow’s legs and give the visitors an early lead.
George Curry missed the opportunity to equalise with a poor close range attempt hit weakly at Benton.
Just as the half time whistle was about to be blown, James Wilcock’s cross found Johnson in the centre as Highgate drew level.
Duane Courtney contrived to miss an early second half opportunity with a header well off target, an Adaggio header then smacked against the crossbar
Brown completed his brace to put Paget ahead once more before Gate equalised for a second time when Duane Courtney’s long throw was eventually seized upon by Wilcock, who fired home from six yards.
Gate’s progress came to a stop though when Lemaar Rhule scored the winning goal seconds from time.
