Port Vale DFC ended Hardly's cup dreams for this season as they defeated an understrength Hardly by three goals to two.
Hardly were without all three goalkeepers aswell as a couple of outfield players so former star striker Ash Newman returned to the side after six months out, this time donning the gloves for Athletic.
Newman pulled off a number of quality saves and Hardly piled on the pressure for long periods but just couldn't put the ball in the net, some wayward finishing, coupled with good goalkeeping, denying them time and again.
After a goalless first half Hardly took the lead with an expert finish from Andy McEvoy before Vale took control courtesy of three goals, all finished well past Newman, two the result of slack marking.
Chris Cope found the net to give Hardly hope in the final minutes but, despite shots raining in on the Vale goal, an equaliser couldn't be found.