City bowed out of the Emirates FA Cup to Stafford Rangers in a highly entertaining game at Claines Lane.

Despite the two league difference City stayed in contention throughout the game before the match winner came in the 75th minute.

Sean Brain gave City a 17th minute lead after being sent clear by Jamie Smith, despite appeals for hand ball from the visiting defence

Joe Kenton pulled it level on 32 minutes after surging sideways from the right wing and hitting a low drive from the edge of the box which skimmed off the wet surface giving Dan Jezeph no chance. Four minutes later it was 1-2 to the visitors. Substitute Joe Cuff was put through by Callum Coyle and he fired high into the roof of the net. Stafford looked like they might race ahead but City dug in and fought their way back into the game.

City equalised in the 57th minute when a Tom Turton in-swinging corner was flicked towards goal by Luke English for Aaron Roberts to head home at the far post. Stafford responded straight away and almost took the lead again with Sam Coulson inches away from converting a well driven free-kick from the right only for Jezeph to get a vital touch.

Andy Nicol then forced King into the save of the night when his goal bound drive was tipped over the bar. Stafford man of the match Cuff then forced a stunning save from Dan Jezeph from point blank range and the game continued to go from end to end at rapid pace before Cuff added his second with a superb finish after cutting in from the right.

In the final seconds of the game Marco Adaggio nearly grabbed the equaliser for City but his effort bounced off the post and was cleared.