MANAGER Paul Roberts was left 'proud but disappointed' as depleted Breightmet United crashed out of the Murray Shield on Saturday.

Captain Carl Bancks, brother Dean and top scorer Jason Brooks were all missing for the Bolton-based side as Roberts was forced to draft in a number of reserve players against Elton Vale.

But despite a makeshift team, Breightmet fought back from 3-1 down to earn a 3-3 draw against their Bury rivals at Heywood Sports Centre, before eventually losing the tie 3-1 on penalties.

"It was a difficult weekend for us because both the first and second teams had away games and for one reason or another we struggled for numbers," said Roberts.

"We only had seven of our usual first team players available in a 12-man squad."

Breightmet, who lost 6-0 to Vale earlier in the season, bossed large periods of the first half but conceded a Chris Baynes goal against the run of play midway through the half. Scott Lock equalised from a corner before the break.

The Bolton side dominated the early proceedings in the second half but a couple of bad mistakes saw them concede two further goals, with both Baynes and substitute Robin Greenwood finding the net for Vale.

As Roberts' side chased the game they rode their luck further when Vale hit the bar and post.

But with 20 minutes remaining Breightmet reduced the arrears when Lock scored his second goal of the game beating the keeper with a great shot which went in under the bar.

Roberts sent defender Osman Karakan up front for the final 15 minutes as Breightmet searched for the equaliser.

The visitors' persistence paid off in the final five minutes when the centre-half nodded home from a free kick to make it 3-3.

However Breightmet failed to convert three out of their four spot kicks in the penalty shootout.

"Despite a depleted side we battled and really tried to win the game," said Roberts.

"The players who came in were all fantastic.

"Tommy Williams took the captain's armband, and along with Ben Walmsley in central midfield, was outstanding.

"Chris Coyne also played well as a holding midfielder. And Lock, who hasn't played for the first team in a long time, scored two goals so that was brilliant from him.

"It was a great comeback effort and you have to take a lot of positives from that.

"But you don't win shootouts by missing three of your penalties.

"So overall I'm proud but disappointed."

Seventh-placed Breightmet return to League One action on Saturday when they host struggling Hollinwood at Moss Park, and Roberts can't wait for some home comforts.

"Hopefully the game will be playable on our pitch because we haven't managed to play a home game since the end of October," he said.

"We should have four, five or six players back but I will have some difficult decisions to make because the players who came in against Vale did brilliantly and deserve to keep their places."