ALAN BALL'S first season as Maine Road manager has ended in relegation. On a day when Manchester United were facing the prospect of trips to their wealthy European rivals, City were contemplating visits to Grimsby and Oxford.

City made a stirring fight back today to gain a point in a 2-2 draw with Liverpool, but it was a result which failed to save them from dropping into the Endsleigh League on goal difference from surviving Coventry and Southampton.

Ian Rush chose his final Premiership appearance for Liverpool to help end City's stay in the top flight. The Welsh striker will be leaving Anfield on a free transfer after the FA Cup final next Saturday.

And how City must have wished he had departed before transfer deadline day, as Ball's worst nightmare came true.

Rush was only in the side because Stan Collymore was sidelined with a groin strain. He was named skipper, with John Barnes resting up before the Wembley showdown against Manchester United.

Rush responded with a wonderful goal five minutes before the break when he hammered a 22 yard shot into the net following a cross field pass from Steve McManaman.

City had gone behind after only six minutes when McManaman, who could have had a cluster of goals, swept in a teasing cross. In his hurry to try and clear, City midfielder Steve Lomas could only turn the ball into his own net.

City looked completely out of the equation at half time, although they had chances in the first half to draw level.

Niall Quinn headed against the bar, then saw keeper David James brilliantly save his rebound. Republic of Ireland striker Quinn was again out of luck when James touched over another effort following a cross by Michael Brown.

Then, Uwe Rosler headed wide from close range following a cross by Quinn.

City were denied a clear penalty when Neil Ruddock blocked Nicky Summerbee as he made his run into the box. Referee Stephen Lodge, of Barnsley, awarded a free kick instead.

Moments like these can mean the difference between success and failure and it proved crucial for City who stormed back late in the game.

Rosler pulled a goal back after 71 minutes from the penalty spot, after Neil Ruddock was punished for a rash challenge on Georgi Kinkladze.

City stepped up the pace and, seven minutes later, Kit Symons whacked in a volley from a cross by substitute Martin Phillips to give the fans hope. Fellow sub Mikhail Kavelashvili then struck a shot wide of the post as the tension mounted.

Symons headed down a free kick from Kinkladze, but Georgian international Kavelashvili couldn't get the vital touch.

It turned out to be too little and too late and Lomas kicked the ball wildly into the crowd at the end of the game.