The Shakers produced another spirited performance in their replay against the National League side but were ultimately undone in the final minutes, missing out on a place in the first round proper.

More than 1,000 Bury fans made the trip over the Pennines and Johnson insisted it was a memorable night.

“If someone would have said to us in the replay away from home at Harrogate in the 85th minute, you can have a one-on-one to potentially win the tie, I probably wouldn't have believed it if I'm honest,” he said.

“I said to them at half-time, let's not come away from here talking about how for a game and a half, we've stayed with the second-best non-league team in the country. Let's make sure in the second half we do ourselves proud.

“It felt like each half we played against them, we got better and better. The intensity we played at was incredible and surprised us as coaching staff.

“We know how fit we are, but to see full time quality footballers in Harrogate absolutely blowing at the full time whistle because we did everything we could in terms of pouring it on them, it’s an absolute credit to every single one of our players.”

Mo Touray struck in the second half and Kai Evans had an opportunity to put Bury in front before the hosts won it late on.

“I said to Tim (Lees) at half time if there's a way where we can still be in the game and create a little bit of an atmosphere - no matter when - I'd go away a really happy man,” Johnson added.

“When that equaliser went in, the noise, the celebrations, the togetherness of 1,100 of us in total – supporters, staff and players - that moment will stay with me forever. That is all we wanted, that's all I do it for. It was unbelievable to see. 

“And as I said, to keep pushing after that, keep having a go and have that unbelievable chance that. Our top scorer as well, of all players, what a season he has had. If you want anybody on it, it’s Kai. He is an incredible finisher.

“Obviously, the second goal is a bit like Saturday, an absolutely incredible worldie of a finish. They had some good chances, by the way, Mitch (Allen) has pulled off some great saves and we made some great blocks.

“An unbelievable, world class finish. Then we've got our goalkeeper taking a wide free kick, probably 20 yards out, to try and get an equaliser. They break, and even then the effort Mitch was putting in to get back.

“Everyone has poured absolutely everything they've got for the football club, for the badge, for each other, as a group, into the last two games and all season, in my opinion. But just to have that moment, it’s all we wanted.”