Needham Market’s FA Cup adventure ended for another year, but it took Cambridge United 80 minutes to finally shatter the resistance of the team 77 places below them in the non-league pyramid.

Substitute Adam Cunnington headed home Mitch Austin’s cross at the back post to send the Skrill Premier leaders through and break the hosts’ hearts.

The result was particularly tough on Marketmen goalkeeper James Shea who pulled off several splendid saves to keep Needham in contention.

Cambridge also hit the bar through Kwesi Appiah, while Market, who stuck to their footballing principles, tested visiting goalkeeper Chris Maxwell, courtesy of efforts from Jamie Guy, Sam Newson, who later left the field on crutches, and Ian Westlake.

Needham, who bowed out in front of a record crowd inside Bloomfields (1,784) will now concentrate their efforts on winning promotion to the Ryman Premier Division, with manager Mark Morsley already revealing he will field a squad, made up mainly of academy players, at home to Leiston in the Ryman League Cup on Tuesday evening.

For a full match report, pictures and reaction, see Monday’s Ipswich Star and East Anglian Daily Times.