KIDDERMINSTER Harriers exited the Emirates FA Cup at the first-round stage after losing 2-1 to League One side Fleetwood Town.

Having previously enjoyed famous heroic FA Cup moments in recent times, Harriers were unable to repeat this time around as Fleetwood came from a goal down to win 2-1 and secure their place in the next round against Cambridge United. 

With 50-odd places between them in the English football ladder, higher-level Fleetwood controlled the game for large parts, but it was the hosts who took a shock lead with what turned out to be their only attempt on target. 

Ryan McLean teed up Bailey Hobson, on loan from Chesterfield, to tuck a shot into the bottom corner and spark some cup magic into the contest.

But their joy was short-lived as Fleetwood went up the other end and won a corner that Phoenix Patterson delivered to the near post for defender Josh Earl to glance home.

The visitors' momentum carried on into the second half and they turned the tie on its head within seconds of the restart when the lively Patterson released Earl, who clipped into the path of Shaun Rooney to take full advantage of.

Jack Marriott steered a shot wide before Harriers goalkeeper Christian Dibble produced a superb fingertip save to foil Ben Heneghan as Fleetwood looked to kill the tie off.

Dibble also denied Town a third goal late on, pushing away Marriott's swerving drive, but his efforts were not able to save Harriers, as they bowed out of the competition.