Worcester City: Carl Heeley 'ecstatic' despite FA Cup defeat
- From the section FA Cup
Worcester City manager Carl Heeley says he is "ecstatic", despite their FA Cup penalty shootout defeat by Scunthorpe United on Wednesday.
After their second-round replay ended 1-1, Worcester lost 14-13 in the longest shootout in FA Cup history.
"It feels like a cruel game at the moment but I'm actually ecstatic," Heeley told BBC Hereford & Worcester.
"I'm proud of all the players and the staff. There is no shame in what this football club has done in this run."
Conference North side Worcester, whose FA Cup run began in September, beat League One club Coventry City in the first round before a 1-1 draw against Scunthorpe at Glanford Park.
In the replay at Aggborough, Worcester came from a goal behind to force the tie into extra-time and penalties, where third-tier Scunthorpe prevailed.
"We wanted to have no regrets and give a good account of ourselves," Heeley continued. "We have done that and more.
"What a great night's entertainment. It was a classic, end-to-end cup tie. I'm delighted for everybody involved."
Worcester chairman Anthony Hampson added: "We've got a club to be very proud of.
"We could have sold this game out three times over. You can see the fan base.
"It was a tremendous effort. It was a sad way to go out. I think the guys gave everything."
| Worcester City's FA Cup run | ||
|---|---|---|
| Second qualifying round (27 September) | City 3 (Geddes 2, Rowe) Rugby 1 | Attendance: 570 Prize money: £4,500 |
| Third qualifying round (11 October) | Leamington 1 City 1 (Wright) | Attendance: 755 |
| Third qualifying round replay (14 October) | City 2 (Deeney, Jackman) Leamington 0 | Attendance: 598 Prize money: £7,500 |
| Fourth qualifying round (26 October) | City 2 (Deeney, Nti) Greenwich Borough 1 | Attendance: 896 Prize money: £12,500 |
| First round (9 November) | Coventry City 1 City 2 (Geddes 2) | Attendance: 8,439 Prize money: £18,000 |
| Second round (7 December) | Scunthorpe United 1 City 1 (Nti) | Attendance: 5,606 |
| Second round replay (17 December) | City 1 (Geddes) Scunthorpe United 1 (aet, Scunthorpe win 14-13 on pens) | Attendance: 4,339 |