RUGBY Town’s youngsters proudly bowed out of the FA Youth Cup at the third round stage following a 4-0 defeat to Cheltenham Town.
Rugby were one of just two sides from outside the Football League left in the competition after they claimed a stunning 2-0 win over League One side Morecambe in the previous round.
However, Cheltenham proved one step too far for Liam O’Neill’s side at Butlin Road after enjoying a memorable run in the competition.
Goals from Brennan Denness-Barrett and Joe Hunt put the visitors two-nil up at half-time before Connor Jakeway struck twice in the second-half to seal the win.
The visitors went in front on 13 minutes when Denness-Barrett reacted quickest to slot home into an empty net.
Rugby then came close to an equaliser when Tyler Scott was robbed of possession by Cheltenham defender Will Taylor after being played through on goal.
And after Leo Stone had an effort saved Rugby’s Mason Platts saw his shot headed off the line by Cheltenham’s Will Armitage.
The away side doubled their lead on 42 minutes when Hunt picked up a loose ball in the penalty area and fired home.
And the League One side scored their third goal on 48 minutes when Jakeway’s shot found its way into the far corner.
The Robins midfielder scored again on 53 minutes when he volleyed home into the same corner from Hunt’s throw-in.
Rugby threatened the Cheltenham goal through efforts from Scott and Sam Bidcote late on but were unable to reduce the deficit as their memorable run came to an end.
