Atherstone Town exited the FA Vase following a disappointing home defeat against Abbey Hulton United. 

The Adders had the better of the first half but were let off by a penalty miss from the visitors. 

In the second half a free kick, a red card for Niall Rowe and a late penalty secured a two goal win for Abbey Hulton to put them into the next round. 

The Adders will have an immediate chance to bounce back as they travel to Studley on Monday night. 

Despite a weekend off the week before, Atherstone came into the second round of the FA Vase with good confidence and in good form. Facing Step 6 opponents in Abbey Hulton United at home, the tie looked to an ideal one for progression to the third round. 

The visitors definitely had different ideas, showing great energy to pull off a cup upset. The Adders were on top in the first half, but struggled to turn possession in good areas into chances. Abbey Hulton looked to capitalise on set pieces but did little to really test Finn Osborn. 

Atherstone peppered the visitors penalty area with crosses from both sides all game, but failed to turn them into opportunities. Ryan Harkin and Tom Smith combined on a lightning counter attack which saw Harkin lift an effort over the bar. 

Abbey Hulton dealt with the pressure and just before half time were handed a chance to break the deadlock. Harvey Rhoades was adjusted to have fouled his man as he broke into the area and the referee pointed to the spot. 

Kieran Brown stepped up but fired his effort high and wide, a warning shot and a let off for the Adders. At the break neither side would have been truly disappointed, with Atherstone displaying control of the game and the visitors putting up a resolute performance on the road. 

The second half started in a similar pattern to the first, with the Adders having more of the ball but creating little with it. Abbey Hulton made that wastefulness pay as they opened the scoring at the hour mark. Matthew Ward struck a low free kick from the right hand side which eluded everyone in the box. 

Atherstone responded to the set back with a flurry of corner kicks which came to nothing. The Adders through more and more at the visitors as the game went on, becoming increasingly frustrated by the lack of end product. 

As Atherstone lay siege to the visitors box, they suffered another setback as captain for the day Niall Rowe was sent off after an off the ball scuffle. Undeterred the Adders continued to throw everything they had forward but could not get their reward. 

Abbey Hulton counter attacked late, leading to Osborn bringing down Daniel Cocks for a second penalty of the match in the dying moments. Cocks picked himself up and slotted the ball home to make it 2-0 and complete a cup upset for the visitors. 

Atherstone were applauded off by a bumper home crowd who stuck behind their team on a difficult afternoon. Attentions will now turn solely to the league campaign, with an opportunity to bounce back immediately. 

The Adders face a trip to take on Studley on Monday 11th, followed up by another away game at Tividale on Saturday 16th November. The next chance to see Atherstone at Sheepy Road will be on Tuesday 19th against Uttoxeter Town. 

Despite the disappointing result, the bumper crowd for Saturday’s game was a big boost for the players. With so much still to play for the season, be sure to carry on showing your support for the lads, your Atherstone Town.