After two good wins earlier in the competition, Town were uncompromisingly knocked out by a visiting side with plenty of flair and inventiveness.

That said, a brave comeback late in the first half, when Sleaford scored twice just before half time after falling three goals behind, did give rise to some optimism among home supporters of a possible shock result.

However, it was Stamford who got that all important next goal after the break and from that point there was no way back for Sleaford.

There were some positives from the defeat, most notably the performances of Tom Siddans and Mickey Stones up front, who gave the visitors' defence plenty to think about. But overall, Stamford, former winners of the FA Vase, demonstrated a difference in class.

The Stamford left winger, who gave Town full back Ollie Sidney a torrid time all afternoon, set up the opening goal on 14 minutes with an inch perfect cross to the outside right, who finished clinically.

He also supplied the ball for goal number two eight minutes later and when Stamford added a third from the penalty spot in the 37th minute, the writing seemed well and truly on the wall for Town.

But, to their credit, Sleaford hit back well, with Mickey Stones firing in a powerful shot into the top corner in the 41st minute and then two minutes later Siddans seeing his effort deflected into the net.

With the deficit reduced to just one going into the second half, Town had renewed hope. However, Stamford added a fourth with a header and from that point took the game from their hosts.

Two more goals crushed the spirit of some of the Sleaford players as the visitors raced on to victory.

Town: Scott; Sidney, Ward, Jones, Fenton; Bell, C Stones, Bishop, Reece; Siddans, M Stones. Subs: Shaw, Lovett, Thompson, J Sedlan, Kashere

Manager's comment:

TOWN boss Brian Rowland was full of praise for the quality of the Stamford side and the football they played but disappointed that Sleaford had not pushed them closer.

He said: "When we came back from three goals down to make it 3-2, I felt we had a chance. It was very important who scored the next goal and unfortunately for us it went to Stamford and from there we couldn't stop them.

"They had some very skilful players and their class showed. I was unhappy that we conceded so many goals from crosses and corners as we are normally so good in the air and clear such situations.

"I was also disappointed that one or two heads went down in the second half, which is not something I want to see from a Sleaford Town side.

"We must now concentrate on the league and getting some wins under our belt to improve our position."

*This Saturday, Town are at home to Newport Pagnell