In the end, it was a step too far for Broxboune Borough. A dream run in the FA Youth Cup for an unheralded and unfancied side ended at one of English football’s most historic grounds.
There were moments. For the rest of his life, striker Alie Bangura - easily the star performer - may remember the inches of ground he was unable to make up on a through ball after Aston Villa’s first. He will recall the cruel offside flag that denied him a chance to score in front of the famous Holte End.
And, of course, he will remember the journey.