CARL Macauley said Witton Albion had been eliminated from the FA Cup by superior opponents but praised his players for reaching the fourth qualifying round.

Their run ended following a 2-0 defeat against Solihull Moors at Wincham Park on Saturday.

The visitors, from two divisions higher, scored a goal at the end of each half to secure a deserved victory.

“We lost to a better side,” said Macauley.

“Solihull were stronger than us, and cuter too in the final third.”

Witton defended with discipline to contain the Moors’ attack, but struggled to create an opening at the other end of the field.

Rob Hopley’s tame effort early on, sent straight at goalkeeper Ryan Boot, was their only shot on target.

There were promising moments, particularly when Delial Brewster used his speed to unsettle Solihull defenders, but they were isolated too.

Macauley said: “We wanted to exploit a lack of pace in the middle of their defence, but didn’t do so enough.

“On only one or two occasions did we get behind them, and we huffed and puffed when we attacked.

“At 1-0 there is always a possibility you can grab something which is why it was important to stay with them for as long as possible.”

Adi Yussuf’s header six minutes before the break, redirecting Tyrone Williams’ cross from the right, broke the deadlock.

Liam Daly then put the Moors out of Witton’s reach when he scored a spectacular second goal with time running out.

Albion lacked a cutting edge, and sent crosses into their opponents’ penalty area more in hope than expectation.

“We’d have loved to have given our supporters a goal to cheer,” said Macauley.

“In truth we found it tough to get close, and they didn’t budge an inch.

“The lads’ heads were down after the final whistle, but I hope when they reflect they feel proud of what they’ve achieved.

“They knew, like I did, that Witton hadn’t been in this position for a number of years and they deserve enormous credit for getting us there.

“We’ve all enjoyed the ride.”