A SEASON that had begun badly took an unexpected turn for the worse as City were unceremoniously dumped out of the Carling Cup by crisis club Southend.

Flat broke and in danger of going out of business, the Shrimpers summoned an underdog's spirit to come from behind and cause a major upset in this eventful first-round tie at humble Roots Hall.

Beaten 3-0 by Millwall in Saturday's Championship opener at Ashton Gate, the Robins suffered further embarrassment when 20-year-old striker Matt Paterson was left unattended to head an extra-time winner.

City had twice led through Jamie McAllister and Ivan Sproule, only to be pegged back, Paterson scoring his first from the penalty spot and former Robins striker Barry Corr heading a dramatic 88th-minute equaliser to take the game into extra-time.

Had it not been for goalkeeper Dean Gerken, City would have been down and out well before the end of normal time. Emerging from the considerable shadow cast by England World Cup stopper David James, last season's first-choice produced a string of fine save to keep the Championship side in contention.

If City were in need of a pick-me-up following Saturday's 3-0 drubbing at the hands of Millwall, they did not have to wait long for things to improve. Albert Adomah's penetrative run was halted 25 yards from goal when he was unfairly impeded by right-back Josh Simpson and McAllister claimed responsibility for the subsequent free-kick.

The Scot may not score that often, but his goals tend to be collector's items. Demonstrating sound technique, McAllister drove the ball left-footed beyond the reach of keeper Glenn Morris and into the top corner of the net to register City's first goal of the season.

They should have added a second after 15 minutes, David Clarkson unselfishly passing instead of shooting, only for Sproule to overrun the ball when it seemed he must score.

City soon had cause to regret that missed opportunity, Southend equalising from the penalty spot on the half hour. Anthony Grant's turn inside the 18-yard box drew a foul from Jamal Campbell-Ryce and Paterson stepped up to beat Gerken from the spot.

Gerken had saved his team moments earlier, flinging himself to his right to turn Sofiene Zaaboub's curling free-kick behind for a corner. When City's keeper failed to come for the resultant flag kick, Cole Skuse was forced to clear Paterson's shot off the line.

Having been in control of the game, the Championship side were suddenly up against it and Grant's looping header caused Gerken a moment of anxiety before nestling on top of the net.

Already assailed by myriad injuries, City boss Coppell was forced to make an unscheduled substitution at the start of the second half, sending on Marvin Elliott to replace Skuse. Owing to the scarcity of fit and available defenders, the midfield powerhouse was deployed in the unfamiliar role of centre-back, alongside Liam Fontaine.

City were showing signs of losing their way and Gerken again came to the rescue on 53 minutes, making a remarkable save with his legs to somehow divert a goal-bound effort from Louie Soares. He did even better moments later, going full-length to keep out a fierce angled shot from Grant.

It was not as though the visitors did not create chances of their own and Sproule was again found wanting when blazing over a gaping target after being set up by substitute John Akinde.

But the momentum was with Southend and the busy Gerken frustrated Grant once more, getting his fingertips to a low drive which was destined for the bottom corner.

Sproule looked to have won it when discovering his poise in front of goal to turn in Adomah's cross at the far post with eight minutes remaining. But the Shrimpers were not finished and Corr, who spent a brief loan spell at Ashton Gate in 2006, was left unmarked to head a last-gasp equaliser.

City's errant defence against went missing in the 104th minute, substitute Ryan Hall crossing for the unmarked Paterson to head past the helpless Gerken from close range.