CINDERFORD Town chairman Stuart Tait hailed all involved with the Southern League Division One club after a ’proud day’ on and off the pitch in the FA Cup.

Town were defeated 3-2 by National League South outfit Hampton & Richmond Borough in their Third Roung Qualifying tie but took the lead twice, with Declan Morley-Lyne opening the scoring after just 22 seconds.

Andy Lewis’ penalty put Town 2-1 up and the hosts led with 10 minutes remaining, but the visitors’ class and strength in depth edged the fixture at the death.

With a local band performing at the Causeway before the fixture plus a host of special arrangements to create a carnival atmosphere, anticipation reached fever pitch for a match that marked the longest run in the FA Cup since Town’s famous 1995/96 season.

And Tait was delighted with everything about a great day at the club – except, of course, the result.

“Saturday was a really proud day,” he said.

“It wasn’t just for me but also for all involved with the club who have put in so much work over the last two years.

“As a club, we’ve come so far. Days like that make all the hard times 100 per cent worth it. It’s been a great cup run but ultimately, did they deserve it ahead of us on the day? Just about.

“We’ve had incredible compliments from the opposition about the way we had the drinks offers with the happy hour and the band and the atmosphere in the place was fantastic.”

Town’s attention now turns to their FA Trophy Preliminary Round match at Bristol Manor Farm on Saturday, with £3,000 up for grabs for the winner.

Having raked in almost £10,000 in prize money from the FA Cup, Tait hopes to see another cup run begin at their Division One South & West rivals.

“Prize money has been a help but like everything else financially related it runs away from you fast enough, going on things like building work and the like.

“If we can get another run the Trophy, with two or three rounds worth of prize money, that’ll be a safeguard for this season.”

• Report and pictures – page 30