NORTH Leigh suffered late heartbreak as their fine Emirates FA Cup run ended at Chesham United in the third qualifying round.

After a goalless first half, North Leigh were undone by the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division side in the final seven minutes.

Dave Pearce scored both goals, his first from the penalty spot and second on the break as the Millers were condemned to only their second defeat in all competitions this season.

With Keiran Sanders suspended and Jamie Cook forced off through injury after 14 minutes, the Millers lacked a clinical edge up front.

In an even first half, the hosts were restricted to half chances with Brad Watkins having a shot blocked and then heading over the bar.

But North Leigh goalkeeper James Foster was called into action on 39 minutes to deny Ryan Blake’s effort as the sides entered the break goalless.

Chesham started the second half strongly, but the Millers’ rearguard held firm to resist the early pressure.

And on 55 minutes the visitors could have taken the lead when Aaron Woodley took advantage of hesitation in the hosts’ defence and lobbed the goalkeeper, but his effort came back off the crossbar.

Woodley then had a penalty shout turned down as they went in search of the crucial goal.

But it was the hosts who would be awarded a spot-kick after Stuart Hole fouled Blake on 83 minutes.

And Pearce stepped up to beat Foster from 12 yards.

The Millers pushed men forward in search of an equaliser, but they were caught again three minutes later.

Pearce beat a defender on the edge of the box and hit a shot across Foster and into the bottom corner to end the visitors’ hopes of making the fourth qualifying round.

North Leigh: Foster, Elkins, Hopkins, Turk, White, Hole, Woodley (Fullerton 86), Osborne-Ricketts, Cook (Else 14), McNish, Williams. Sub not used: Westlake.