YORK CITY boss Nigel Worthington was left lamenting how “cruel football can be” after another late blow sent the Minstermen crashing out of the Capital One Cup.

Harry Forrester’s 91st minute goal condemned City to a 1-0 defeat at Bootham Crescent in a game they largely controlled from start to finish.

Following a stoppage time equaliser for Tranmere in York’s League Two opener last Saturday, it was the second consecutive occasion in which Worthington’s men were foiled at the death.

But the City chief insists that if his squad continue to perform to such a high standard, they will soon get the results they deserve.

“It is a disappointing smash and grab,” he said of Doncaster’s late winner. “Over the course of the game we did extremely well. We passed the ball really well and played some really good stuff.

“Over the last two games, it shows you how cruel the game of football can be. We have to live with that. There is a lot from that game to take away and get ready for Saturday.

“Obviously the players are disappointed. They put in a lot of hard work. The shape of the team was very good and everyone knew their role.

“They performed at their maximum against a League One side and came away with nothing. That’s the game. It is about how you bounce back.”

Striker Ryan Jarvis had to be stretchered off in the second half and Worthington believes the former Torquay striker has damaged his ankle ligaments.

He added: “It looks like ankle ligaments and they can be time consuming. Obviously there will be some confirmation. It’s painful and he certainly won’t be back in the next couple of weeks.

“Jake Hyde is coming along but it will probably be touch and go (whether he is ready for Northampton). But you have to live with these upsets.

“Young Ben Hirst is learning the game. He has had two parts of games already and we will look at everything and get a team that will go again.”