BRISTOL CITY missed the opportunity to host reigning Champions League winners Liverpool at Ashton Gate in the fourth round of the FA Cup after a desperately disappointing evening in Shropshire on Tuesday night.

After a 1-1 draw with Shrewsbury Town at Ashton Gate the previous Saturday, City travelled to the New Meadow confident of victory against the mid-table League One side.

I thought Shrewsbury played very well in the first game and probably deserved to win it, but I must admit I thought our class would eventually tell in the second game. Plus, we tend to play better away from home. But the first half was relatively even with both teams creating chances. City hit the post through Diedhiou and the striker also blasted over the bar when through one-on-one on goal.

He’s been one of our best players over the festive period but the Senegalese striker had an evening to forget and we would rue those missed chances.

The second half was like a training game. The Shrews completely surrendered possession to City, who spent the vast majority of the second half camped out in the home side’s half. But our build-up play was just too pedestrian, too slow. Weimann looks off-form as well so we have little to offer from an attacking perspective. The introduction of Palmer didn’t help and he is supposed to be our creative talisman.

With the game looking destined for extra-time Shrews defender Pierre hit a sweetly struck left-footed effort from 25 yards out to send the home supporters into rapture. It was a goal fitting of winning any game and we just have to take it on the chin.

Performances and results over the past two months continue to be of concern and City need to get this one out of their system quickly by getting back to winning ways against Barnsley at Ashton Gate this Saturday (3pm).