Stockport County showed why they are struggling to fight their way out of the Nationwide League Second Division after a disappointing showing at home to high-flying Bristol City.
County, who lost 4-2 to Mansfield on Boxing Day, would have dearly loved three points to ease their relegation fears.
But player-manager Carlton Palmer, the former England international, won't have seen much that pleased him after another forgettable performance from his Edgeley Park side.
The Hatters boss, who has dropped himself for the last two matches, not even opting to put himself on the subs bench, made two changes to the side that lost to Mansfield.
But even the call-up of Karim Fradin to County's midfield and a league debut for Middlesbrough loan goalkeeper Brad Jones, couldn’t inject the much needed boost which Palmer's side so needed.
The home side was rocked by a goal after just 19 minutes when Lee Peacock hit a spectacular 25-yard drive which Brad Jones could only parry into his own net.
And it didn't get any better for the home side as Robins' defender Danny Coles slotted home four minutes before the interval after being set free in the six-yard box.
Striker Liam Rosenior then made it three for City latching onto to a Peacock header and making no mistake in slotting past Jones.
Stockport pulled a goal back through leading scorer Luke Beckett after 57 minutes, but it was never going to be enough as Bristol took the points and extended their impressive unbeaten run to 19 games, keeping their title hopes very much alive.
City substitute Peter Beadle rounded off a superb performance from the visitors with a powerful drive with a minute remaining.