Hartlepool United fell in the Isuzu FA Trophy at the first hurdle when they lost 3-0 on penalties to National League rivals Tamworth.
The Lambs showed perfection from the spot with decisive penalties by Tom Tonks, Dan Creaney and sub Nathan Tshikuna.
Pools failed from each off their three spots-kicks with injury-time sub Mani Dieseruvwe and Kazenga LuaLua having their attempts saved by Jas Singh, sandwiching Gary Madine skying his effort into the Rink End.
Madine’s second goal in a Pools jersey looked like putting Pools through until his 68th-minute goal was equalised by ex-Pools forward Chris Wreh, who levelled in the final minute of normal time.
Boss Lennie Lawrence made eight changes to his Pools starting XI with skipper for the night Tom Parkes, Nathan Sheron (back in midfield) and Jack Hunter the only three to retain their positions.
Man of the match Anthony Mancini, playing wide right, was a livewire throughout the first half.
The flying Frenchman had the tie’s first shot after tearing up the wing and cutting inside, only for keeper Jas Singh to save easily.
Creaney had the ball in the net for Tamworth at the Town End on 15 minutes after a swift counter-attack but the linesman’s flag went up for offside.
Pools went close in the 21st minute when Mancini hit the keeper’s left post after neat home move before Dan Dodds flashed a shot over with his left foot after a bright run forward.
Tamworth had their share of attacking moments in the first half and five minutes before half-time Creaney looked certain to score but Adam Smith saved well on his line.
Pools had the first opening of the second half when Madine headed over at the Town End following some trickery by Mancini on the right.
However, the Lambs went close at the other end where Smith pulled off a cracking save low to his right from Creaney following a long throw by Tom Tonks.
Pools took the lead in the 68th minute through Madine.
Great work by Mancini freed Dan Dodds down the right and his low centre was gobbled by Madine from 10 yards.
It looked like proving the decisive moment but Tamworth fought to the end and got their reward when Wreh scored in the final minute from a ball from the right.
The one bright spot on the night was a debut for Academy player Kian Foreman with the teenager coming on to warm applause 10 minutes from time.
