A BRAVE second-half fight back was not enough to save FC United as they crashed out of the FA Trophy at home to Harrogate.

The visitors cruised in to a 2-0 lead before half time and then added a third shortly after the break, but a rousing final half-hour from the Rebels saw them pull two back courtesy of a Simon Carden double.

However, despite throwing everything at the Sulphurites in the closing minutes, FC were unable to force a replay.

A miserable first half for the Rebels was compounded when Phil Marsh missed a penalty with Harrogate 2-0 up.

FC also began the second period poorly, and slipped further behind before Carden turned home Rob Nugent’s header from a corner to make it 3-1 in the 63rd minute.

Midfielder Carden then capped a fine team move for his second of the afternoon with six minutes remaining, but Harrogate held on to advance to the first round.