LICHFIELD City’s hopes of winning a third JW Hunt Cup were dashed after a penalty shootout defeat by Cradley Town.
A goal from debutant Sonny Sheasby had put Ivor Green’s men in control at the Trade Tyre Community Stadium, but the visitors levelled through Kane Harold in the second half.
City even went 2-0 up at one stage of the shootout before seeing three spot kicks saved in a row to send them out.
Cradley keeper Reece Francis made an early save to keep out Sheasby after a cross from Jude Taylor – but he could do nothing to prevent the Lichfield debutant from opening the scoring after he chased down a defender and nipped in front of Francis to net.
Taylor fired over the bar while Harrison Smith headed off target as City went in search of a second.
Home keeper Tom McNulty had to be alert at the other end though as he kept out a low drive and a free kick before half time.
Cradley finished the opening 45 strongly – and started the second period even better as Harold levelled the scores three minutes after the interval with a drive from the edge of the box.
City went close to restoring their advantage when Kieran Francis saw his free-kick tipped onto the bar.
Lichfield continued to carve out chances but were unable to bag a crucial second goal as Dan Lomas saw an effort cleared off the line and Jack Edwards fired wide.
The shootout got off to a perfect start for the hosts as McNulty saved while Lomas and James Wilcock scored the first spot kicks.
Josh Mansell saw his penalty saved before Cradley made it 2-2.
Another save from McNulty gave Lichfield hope, but Francis and Taylor both missed the chance to convert as the visitors netted their final spot kick to send the home side out.
