**Penalties End Braintree's FA Cup Run: Harrop Speaks**

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Post on Nov 04, 2024

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Penalties End Braintree's FA Cup Run: Harrop Speaks Out

The dream is over for Braintree Town in the FA Cup. After a thrilling 2-2 draw with National League North side, AFC Fylde, the Iron were sent packing on penalties following a tense shootout. It was a heartbreaking end to a brilliant cup run for the Essex side, who defeated two higher-league opponents in the previous rounds.

A tale of two halves, the game was an absolute rollercoaster. Braintree, the underdogs, looked completely in control in the first half, taking the lead after just 11 minutes. The goal, scored by the ever-reliable Sam Deering, gave the Iron a deserved advantage. However, Fylde came roaring back in the second half, equalizing through a penalty and then taking the lead.

But Braintree wouldn't be denied. The resilient Iron clawed their way back into the game through a stunning free-kick by the ever-dangerous Dan Sparkes. The goal sent the game into extra time and then, finally, into the dreaded penalty shootout.

After a series of successful spot-kicks, it was Braintree's captain, Sam Harrop, who missed the crucial penalty, which gave Fylde the victory.

"It's gutting, absolutely gutting," said Harrop after the game. "We were brilliant in the first half, then they came back at us in the second. But we never gave up. We fought back and got back into the game.

"It's a shame it had to end this way. I thought we deserved more. But I'm so proud of the lads. We gave it everything we had.

"We've had a great cup run, and this experience will help us going forward."

Although their cup run ended, Braintree's performance against Fylde was a massive positive. They showed they can compete with the best and they'll be looking to carry that momentum into their league campaign.

This FA Cup exit marks the end of an incredible journey for Braintree Town. While they may be out of the cup, their spirit, determination, and unwavering belief are sure to propel them to success in the league.