WORCESTER City exited the FA Trophy at the first qualifying round following a 4-1 home defeat against league opponents Hinckley LRFC.
Chris Cornes’ side suffered their first defeat of the season at Corby Town last weekend and have now lost two games on the bounce.
City’s promotion up to step four of the non-league pyramid resulted in their inclusion in the FA Trophy this campaign, for sides in step one to four.
Fellow Northern Premier League Midlands side Hinckley came into the game winless this season with just one point from six league games.
However, the Leicestershire visitors had the games’ opening chance with Ben Humphreys seeing his effort from inside the box saved by City goalkeeper Joe Stockton.
Cornes’ side responded by applying pressure on their visitors, until a 19th minute throw-in caused mayhem inside the penalty area and Kyle Belmonte fired home.
However, the hosts led for just seven minutes when Michael Armstrong saw his effort from 25 yards out curl over the head of goalkeeper Stockton.
The Worcester goalkeeper was back in action on 34 minutes with a one-handed save that denied Chris Jones from putting Hinckley ahead.
Just three minutes into the second half the visitors were ahead after Aaron Nuttall’s cross was headed home by Ben Humphreys.
Nuttall then tested the City goal himself, driving at the defence before steering his effort wide.
Cornes’ side looked for a response and Izak Reid saw his effort blocked before moments later Belmonte fired his volley over.
Substitute Elliott Hartley was then denied by visiting goalkeeper Jake Laban before Will Owens beat the shot-stopper, only to be denied by the post.
Hinckley provided a threat themselves and Chris Jones ran through on goal before being taken down by goalkeeper Stockton.
Armstrong was on hand to steer the ball home from 12 yards to give his side a 3-1 lead on 71 minutes.
Eight minutes later Armstrong completed his hat-trick after his effort took a wicked deflection and looped over goalkeeper Stockton.
To make matters worse for City skipper Adam Mace received a late red card after being judged to have elbowed Nuttall.
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