MANAGER John Snape admitted Worcester City were dealt a “cruel blow” after they were knocked out of the FA Cup on penalties by Walsall Wood at the Victoria Ground.

Worcester were reduced to 10 men when Luke English saw red on 62 minutes and fell behind through a strike from Javai Roberts in extra-time.

But plucky City sent the extra preliminary round tie into a penalty shoot-out when Joe Bates headed home with three minutes left before Kyle Rowley was sent off to restore parity.

Wood missed twice from the spot with Matt Gwynne making a fine save to deny Trey Braithwaite.

However his efforts were in vain as Roberts secured victory for the visitors after Matt Birley, Liam Lockett and Dave Reynolds all fluffed their lines.

“It was a cruel blow,” Snape said.

“You can’t afford to miss three penalties but the lads were brave to step up and take them.

“I am disappointed for Matt as he made a wonderful save in the shoot-out.”

City were seconds away from securing their place in the next round last Saturday only for Paul Sullivan to net last-gasp header to snatch a 1-1 draw at Wood.

Gwynne produced a man-of-the-match performance that day and he was forced into action 21 minutes into the replay when he saved Roberts’ shot.

Worcester also came close as Chris Withington flicked the ball into the box for Lockett whose shot was headed behind.

After the break, the hosts suffered a setback when defender English received a second yellow card.

The match then opened up as City had a penalty appeal turned down while Wood had a goal ruled out for offside.

In the closing 10 minutes Birley’s well-placed shot was stopped by keeper Reiss Wagstaff before James Baldwin and George Forsyth were thwarted.

Five minutes into extra-time Wood went ahead when Roberts broke through City’s defence and beat Gwynne.

The away side almost grabbed a second as they clipped the crossbar but 10-man Worcester hung in and levelled the scores in the 117th minute when Bates headed in Baldwin’s cross.

Wood then had a man sent off as Rowley was brandished a second yellow card but City lost 3-2 in the shoot-out.

Despite the defeat Snape said he was impressed by the “resolve” his side showed after English’s dismissal.

“We didn’t start the game very well,” Snape said.

“The sending off was a turning point as that galvanised us and there were some very spirited, hard-working performances for the remainder of normal time and extra-time.

“Tired legs probably cost us the goal which was disappointing because Matt was outstanding in goal.

“But Baldwin who was very lively when he came on got to the by-line, whipped the ball in and it was a great header from Batesy.

“The resolve of the players was fantastic but it wasn’t to be.”

Worcester City: Gwynne, Caines, Smith, English, Stoddart, Clarke (Bates 102), Withington (Baldwin 59), Forsyth, Evans (Birley 69), Reynolds, Lockett. Not used: Dayus, Keasey, Brett, Weir.

Attendance: 350.