Brentwood Town exited the Isuzu FA Trophy after a 4-2 defeat on penalties (0-0 after normal time) at the hands of National League South side Hornchurch. It was a valiant performance from the Blues, but with neither side able to break the deadlock, penalties proved to be the ultimatum.
The Urchins produced a flurry of chances during the opening 10 minutes, with the first struck over the bar by a centrally positioned Charlie Ruff, before the second from Josh Rees followed suit.
Kymani Thomas embarked on a strong breaking run down the right flank and fired a shot from the edge of the box, which took a deflection into the palms of Arthur Nasta.
The Blues continued the attack with an in-swinging free kick from Ade Cole knocking at the far post and a close-range attempt by Alejandro Machado forced a flick out from Nasta.
A floated cross by Makai Welch met the head of Henry Hearn but was denied before the Blues countered and produced the most promising chance of the half. The perfectly weighted through ball of Cole found Thomas who then squared over to Benas Vaivada who struck his half-volley narrowly wide of the post.
Brentwood continued the second half as they ended the first as a low-range effort from Thomas forced the fingertips of Nasta to deny the winger.
Hornchurch thought they’d taken the lead just before the hour-mark, as Hearn tapped home from a rebound, only to see his effort ruled out for offside.
Thomas again came close when his curled attempt on the edge of the box skimmed the crossbar.
In the closing stages, the visitors started to show their quality and experienced a couple of near chances, but the Blues held firm to prevent losing the game to a late goal.
Myles Weston, Josh Hare, Wraight and Angelo Balanta converted from the spot, meanwhile an effort from Matt Cripps’ knocked the left post, whilst Nasta tipped over the penalty of Danny Ogunleye, to see the National League South leaders progress.
By Michaela Georgopolous.
