And assistant manager Wayne Carlisle admitted after the game. "The result was obviously disappointing but more so they way we went about our business.. We were not good enough."

Their cause was not helped by the late withdrawals of the unwell Arran Pugh and Cody Cooke, but that was no real excuse for a substandard display.

City had gone into the match on the back of some good league performances and were favourites to overcome a Larkhall side who play one level lower in Division One South and West of the Southern League.

But the visitors rose to the occasion and few would begrudge them their win.

They defended well and took their chances as an off key City huffed and puffed to little effect for much of the match.

In the first half, City looked lethargic and possibly a touch complacent as Larkhall more than held their own.

Ben Watson did shoot just wide, while Ryan Brett forced a a good save from Alex Shaftoe with a free kick.

But that was about it and Larkhall also had their openings before taking the lead in the first minute of stoppage time.

City keeper Kyle Moore dropped the ball under a challenge and it ran loose for Daniel Jones to fire home.

Les Afful replaced Barry Hayles at half time and City did improve, with Chris Long denied by Larkhall keeper Alex Shaftoe, who was then lucky when he almost let a tame Jamie Lowry shot find the net.

Larkhall though held firm as they defended in depth as City sought in vain for an equaliser.

Afful came closest when his long range drive rattled the bar with 12 minutes left before the visitors made the game safe with Robert Hobbs beating Moore with a low drive following a quick break.

There was no way back for City on a day they will quickly want to forget.

City: Moore, Tully (Carlisle 75), Farkins, White, Long, Green, Lowry, Brett ( Ash 69), Vassell, Hayles ( Afful half time) Watson. Subs (not used) James, Searle.

Yellow cards: none.

Goals; Jones (45+1) 0-1, Hobbs (80) 0-2.

Referee : Andrew Quin.

crowd 414