Penrith AFC first team bowed out of the FA Vase yesterday with their first round proper tie at Prestwich Heys proving to be a real game of two halves.
New Blues manager Chris Humphrey once again named himself in the starting line-up, but his side found themselves 3-0 down and right up against it after just 20 minutes.
Scot Cullen headed the home team in front with just seven minutes gone, Niall Sultan doubled the lead with a stunning strike from range on 12 before Lee Grimshaw slid the ball under visiting goalkeeper Aaran Taylor to give Penrith a mountain to climb.
Prestwich also struck the woodwork twice before half-time.
But a youthful Penrith side which included teenagers Mackenzie Fleming, Jack Patrick and Calum Warman — the latter two recent signings — gave a spirited showing after the break.
Striker Max Brown pulled a goal back, turning in the area and shooting past the Prestwich goalkeeper on 53 minutes.
They continued to threaten and looked to have set up a grandstand finished as Brown scored again with four minutes left on the clock.
But as the home side immediately went back on the attack, they were awarded a penalty which Jack Coop tucked away.
A sizeable travelling contingent gave their team a sporting reception at full-time in recognition of their second half efforts.
Penrith: Aaran Taylor, Jack Patrick, Chris Humphrey, Matty Story, Matty Moynan, Mackenzie Fleming, Bryce Dean-Norman, Calum Warman, Max Brown, Adam Main, Jamie Armstrong. Subs: James Best, Lewis Newton.
Penrith return to Northern League Division I action next Saturday with a trip to leaders Consett.
