CHRISTCHURCH'S fairytale FA Cup run came to a heartbreaking end with a penalty shootout defeat to Dulwich Hamlet.

Josh Kirkham's dramatic stoppage-time equaliser earned Priory a chance at spot-kicks to cause another giant-killing, but the visitors edged through 3-1 on penalties after three saves from goalkeeper Charlie Grainger.

Christchurch, who compete three levels below National League South side Dulwich, more than held their own throughout the contest.

After a tight first half, the visitors missed a glorious chance to take the lead soon after the restart with Deon Moore heading against the crossbar from two yards out.

Brad Cherrett then blocked a Diogo Barbosa shot on the line at the start of a crazy final 10 minutes.

With the game heading towards a goalless conclusion, Dulwich were reduced to 10 men with Quade Taylor shown a straight red card for a lunging challenge. But the visitors did not let that affect them, taking the lead on 88 minutes when a deep free-kick was turned across goal by Sandro Embalo for Moore to tap in.

Max Wilcock headed a good chance wide at the other end, but there was time for one last rally as Wilcock crossed for substitute Kirkham, who superbly looped a header over Grainger to equalise at the death.

Christchurch had already won penalty shootouts against Ascot United and Gloucester City during their historic cup run, either side of impressive wins over Bashley and Dorchester Town, but could not repeat the trick again.

Despite two smart Lewis Gunstone-Gray diving saves, his counterpart Grainger saved three times to deny Ash Pope, Kirkham and Wilcock, with Cherrett the only man to find the net as Dulwich won 3-1 on spot-kicks after Sanchez Ming coolly converted.