MATT Doughty admitted he was "at a low ebb" after Altrincham surrendered a half-time lead and suffered an ignominious Cheshire Senior Cup defeat to Evo-Stik First Division North side Hyde United at Ewen Fields on Tuesday night.

Leading through Elliot Newby's goal and seemingly in control of their second-round tie, Alty allowed themselves to be overrun by opponents two divisions below them and could have few complaints about the 2-1 scoreline.

With Harrogate Town heading to The J.Davidson Stadium on Saturday, Alty boss Doughty called on his players to "at least show some fight and hunger" as they search for their first home league win of a demoralising season.

"The second half was by far the worst performance we've produced," he said.

"Chris Lynch was very good and won his battle at right-back, Kyle Brownhill and Nicky Clee did okay, but apart from that we were a disgrace.

"I've just said to them in there you ain't as good as you think you are. It was hunger that won it for Hyde, not ability. If you are bottom of the Conference North and you haven't got the hunger to beat a team from two divisions below, you ain't going to make it.

"I'm a bit bemused, to be honest.

Am I at my lowest ebb? Yeah, I'm quite low at the moment.

"I'm working at putting things right all the hours God sends, and there's no one hurting more than me when we put in a performance like we did in the second half.

"You think performances are coming and you are unlucky three or four times not to win, then that happens.

"We produce a performance like that and it knocks you back.

"We need to see a bit of fight and hunger on Saturday. That's the least you expect.

"They have got half-decent ability, but you can't go out there thinking you are better than you are, because you will get turned over. That was proved tonight."