Oxford City were dumped unceremoniously out of the competition at the hands of classy Skrill South side Dover Athletic on Saturday.

Nathan Elder and Barry Cogan gave the hosts a two-goal lead at half-time and Sean Raggett killed off any lingering hopes of a comeback as City conceded a scrappy third.

But it could have been so different for City if they had taken their chances after starting brightly.

Liam Malone could have given the visitors an early lead, shooting straight at the goalkeeper after a floated cross had found him unmarked in front of goal.

Lee Henderson had another golden opportunity when a long throw from Andy Ballard was allowed to bounce in the area.

Henderson had been lurking in space at the back post, but his header hit the bar and the home side were able to clear the danger.

And City were made to pay for their profligacy when Elder seized on hesitant defending to burst through before lobbing goalkeeper Victor Francoz.

It could have got worse for City just moments later when Elder was denied a second by the offside flag after heading in the rebound when Tom Murphy’s beautiful effort had come back off the frame of the goal.

But the hosts did get their second before the half was out, Cogans powerful free-kick almost breaking the net and leaving Francoz with no chance.

City introduced new signing Michael Pook at half-time and went searching for a route back into the match, but were unable to find a way through and the hosts looked worthy of their lead.

Jamie Cook went closest for City, skimming the top of the bar from a free-kick, but they created little in open play.

Raggett added a third for Dover after City failed to deal with a free-kick into the box, getting the decisive touch after a goalmouth scramble to end City’s Cup hopes for another year.

Oxford City: Francoz, Benjamin, Stonehouse, Ballard (Pook 45), Henderson, Willmott, McNish (Basham 70), Malone, Robinson (Symons 57), Cook, Winters. Subs not used: Learoyd, Clifton, Scott.

Referee: S Daly. Attendance: 869.