Strugglers Radcliffe secured just their third win of the season after racing into a shock 4-1 lead by half-time. Top-scorer Steve Howson completed a hat-trick and added a fifth for the visitors in stoppage time.

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It was a demoralising defeat for City who had just bolstered their play-off chances with two straight victories. Despite going into the game as clear favourites, a new-look City were completely outplayed from start to finish.

City surprisingly retained a play-off spot as other results went their way. But the Dolly Blues must win the vast majority of their remaining games to stand any chance of securing promotion.

Afterwards assistant manager Neil Crossley said: "We never really got going from the first whistle even though we certainly prepared in the same way.

"It was a bad day at the office and we've got to defend better. There wasn't a plus performance by anyone and this was disappointing."

However, Crossley refused to rule out the club's play-off plans and added: "If we don't believe we can do it, there's no point in playing.

"The lads are flat in the dressing room and it's our job to motivate them. We will be ready for the next game and we will be organised."

With almost a full squad to choose from, manager Barrie Stimpson shuffled his defence. Guy Heffernan replaced Scott Greenwood at centre-back, while the injured Craig Redhead made way for Paul Rigby.

Meanwhile, Adam Nowland – a new signing from Preston – made his debut alongside Michael Stringfellow in central midfield and replaced Tom Entwisle.

The visitors emerged as the stronger side from the outset and the home crowd were soon stunned when Radcliffe scored twice in the opening 13 minutes.

On 10 minutes, Gary Sampson broke the deadlock with a superb volley from outside the box which flew past City goalkeeper Andreas Arestidou.

Three minutes later, the outstanding Howson latched onto a ball from the left and powered the ball beyond the advancing Arestidou.

As the half wore on, the match continued in a similar vein as Radcliffe won physical battles in key areas and exposed City's defensive frailties.

On 24 minutes, a defensive mix-up enabled visiting striker Michael Oates to race clear on goal but Arestidou was alert and made a smart save.

City improved slightly and reduced the deficit on 40 minutes when striker Mark Jackson headed home Adam Nowland's excellent cross.

But just when it appeared City were back in the game, Radcliffe scored two decisive goals in the space of a minute to put the result beyond doubt.

On 42 minutes, an unmarked Howson rose above the City defence and nodded home a third directly from a corner. And seconds later Lee Connell made it 4-1 with a neat left-footed finish from close range.

Things could have got worse for City on the stroke of half-time when Howson failed to dribble past a brave Arestidou with the luxury of time and space.

The hosts created more chances after the break as Radcliffe were content to close out victory. In the early stages, City's Dave Foster and Neil Marshall went close with headers.

Meanwhile, the visitors had a lucky escape on the hour-mark when goalkeeper Phil Priestley was only booked for handling outside the area.

Radcliffe also rode their luck two minutes later when Dave Swarbrick's venomous free-kick struck the post.

Nonetheless, the visitors continued to pose a threat at the other end and Heffernan was forced to make a goal-line clearance to deny Connell with 14 minutes left.

City's misery was compounded late on when Howson cut inside from the left and drilled a long-range shot into the bottom corner to claim a deserved hat-trick.

ENDS

City: Arestidou 7, Uberschar 5, Rigby 5 (Love 60), Heffernan 6, Swan 5, Stringfellow 6, Swarbrick 6, Nowland 6, Foster 6 (Entwisle 71), Jackson 6 (Rushton 60), Marshall 6

Radcliffe: Priestley, Sampson, Scott (Manning 90), Kelly, Flynn, C. Dawson, Connell, Chappell (A. Dawson 86), Howson, Oates (Forrest 71), Hill

Starman: Andreas Arestidou made a couple of key saves and was not largely at fault for the goals

Referee: James Madine

Attendance: 212