Hampton & Richmond exited the FA Trophy in the Last 16 following their 0-2 defeat to Macclesfield FC. 

It was the first time the two sides had ever played each other, with the Silkmen progressing to the quarter-finals. 

The visitors had consecutive chances early doors, with Kane Drummond finding space in the final third to test Adam Desbois. 

This was moments before Desbois showed his quality between the sticks with an acrobatic leap to deny Macclesfield a golden opportunity in the seventh minute. 

Rob Hall had a chance, with his cultured boot sending the ball scurrying across the box, only for it to curl inches wide of the post.  

Dan Wishart was then booked for a sliding challenge on Tre Pemberton, in a battle that had seemingly been brewing from the first minute.  

The pair continued, with Pemberton skipping past Wishart to find the head of Sam Heathcote, as the big number 9 busied himself in Hampton & Richmond’s box throughout the half.  

Isaac Pitblado was booked in the 52nd minute and, moments later, so was Paul Dawson, after the reckless number 6 went crashing into Hall.  

Macclesfield then scored two goals in two minutes, with the first headed in from a corner and the second tucked away by Heathcote on the break. 

The score remained 0-2, with the Silkmen having several chances to extend their lead but ultimately failing to find the back of the net for a third time. 

The Beavers’ next home game, against Aveley, is on February 17, as they return to the Beveree where, although not coming away with the win in this match, they were well supported by the 1480 in attendance.