NORTH Leigh were full of praise for the generosity of Eastleigh chairman Stewart Donald after their heavy 6-0 defeat in the Emirates FA Cup on Saturday.

Donald, a former North Leigh player, whose company Bridle Insurance sponsor the Millers’ shirts, decided to donate the gate receipts from the tie, which attracted a crowd of 889, to the visitors.

North Leigh manager John Brough added: “That is a very good gesture.

“I am sure the chairman will be very happy.”

Brough admitted taking on the Vanarama National League side was a ‘step too far’ for his history-making side.

The Millers reached the fourth qualifying round for the first time in their history.

The run earned the Evo-Stik Southern League club £16,925 in prize money and while the scoreline does not make for easy reading, Brough saluted his players.

“It was just a step too far,” he said.

“Fair credit to my boys, they kept going.

“Six goals is always hard to take, but overall to get this far I am really pleased for the club and the players.”