HARTPURY FC suffered FA Trophy heartbreak as they were knocked out on penalties following a 2-2 draw with Weymouth at the Bob Lucas Stadium.

The Acorns twice led their higher-level opponents in Saturday’s second qualifying round tie, but Weymouth fought back before winning the shoot-out 4-3.

Hartpury started brightly, with Morgan Ewing heading an early chance at goalkeeper Gerard Benfield before Nathan Jenkins also threatened.

Riley McGregor produced an important block to deny Brooklyn Genesini at the other end, while Seth Locke smothered another effort from the Weymouth danger man.

Kian Davies struck the post from close range after 32 minutes before Hartpury finally made their pressure count eight minutes later.

Benfield spilled Davies’ effort and Cameron Walters reacted quickest to steer home his first senior goal for the Acorns.

However, Hartpury’s advantage lasted only until the brink of half-time, when Genesini fired a powerful effort beyond Locke from 18 yards.

The visitors regained the lead nine minutes after the restart. Billy Osborn delivered across goal for the unmarked Louis Manning, who converted from close range to make it 2-1.

Hartpury then came under increasing pressure as Weymouth searched for another response, with Locke producing an excellent point-blank save after 73 minutes.

The Terras eventually broke through five minutes later when Toby Holmes struck from 12 yards to level the contest.

Neither side could find a late winner, sending the tie to penalties.

Hartpury converted through McGregor and recovered when Locke saved Weymouth’s third penalty, but two Acorns efforts were denied by Benfield as the hosts eventually secured a 4-3 shoot-out victory.

The result ended Hartpury’s Trophy run after their impressive 4-1 victory over Exmouth Town in the previous round.

Hartpury returned their attention to Southern League Division One South action, with Melksham Town visiting the KMM Energy Stadium on Tuesday night.