TOM Owens’ late goal could not spark a recovery when Witton Albion bowed out of the FA Cup on Tuesday.

Carl Macauley’s men suffered a first defeat of the season, in their ninth match, against higher-ranked opponents who will travel to FC Halifax Town in the third qualifying round as a reward for their victory.

Stalybridge - hosting the replay at nearby Mossley due to a floodlight fault at their Bower Fold home - created more chances in a goalless first half, Albion goalkeeper Danny Roberts stretching to deny Steve Tames from the best of them.

At the other end, Anthony Brown’s header lacked the power to trouble Bridge custodian Tony McMillan.

The home side, as they had done during the teams’ first meeting on Saturday, took the lead in the second half.

When Danny Pilkington curled in a corner, Matty Hughes was ready to meet it with a powerful header.

Rob Hopley twice went close to a leveller at the other end, while Roberts parried Andy Owens’ attempt after he ran clear.

The front man was not to be denied though, and he steered in Tames’ cross following a counter on 63 minutes, doubling the National League North outfit’s advantage.

Tom Owens halved Albion’s arrears when he blasted in Prince Haywood’s assist after McMillan had spilled the latter’s initial attempt to score.

However Witton could not conjure a leveller, and their FA Cup run ended at the same stage as last season.

Stalybridge | 3-5-2 | McMillan (GK), Gorton, Hughes, Ryan, Bagshaw (Gordon 46), Pilkington, Gee, Chalmers (Platt 79), Wisdom, Andy Owens (Mukendi 71), Tames Sub not used Foy Goals Hughes 52, Andy Owens 63 Booked Hughes, Pilkington, Andy Owens

Witton | 4-2-3-1 | Roberts (GK), Gardner, Brown, Wilson, Devine, Williams (Adigun 81), Reeves, Haywood, Tom Owens, Bauress, Hopley Subs not used Garner (GK), Eves, Arnold, Hickman, Benjamin Goal Owens 80

Referee Martyn Rawcliffe

Attendance 241