But his decision to play in the match against Conference South Carshalton Athletic was only made when his critically ill father, Peter, stabilised.

"He was suffering from kidney and liver failure," explained Sykes. "But last week there were signs of kidney regeneration and he was conscious for longer periods. My brothers - Jack and Daniel - were also about, so I took the decision to play."

And play Sykes did.

The 30-year-old former FA Development Officer for Herefordshire first provided an assist and then spanked in two second-half goals from 20 yards as Southern League Premier Bath City plundered an unlikely 4-2 victory.

City seemed down and out when Carshalton regally took a two-goal lead through Cyrus and Saunders within 30 minutes.

But an astonishing miss from Marvell with the goal gaping in the 37th minute proved the turning point.

Sam Bailey’s header from a Sykes corner on half-time lifted Bath’s spirits and then in the third quarter Scott Partridge latched on to a Gary Owers through-ball and rifled under the advancing 'keeper, Stuart Searle.

Bath City have been in outstanding Cup form this season, reaching the second round of The FA Cup after compelling away victories against Havant and Barnet and Trophy wins against Tiverton Town and now Carshalton Athletic.

"We haven’t lost to a side ranked above us in any Cup competition," said player-manager Owers, who celebrated the first anniversary of his appointment at Bath on Saturday. "It proves we have the ability to play at a higher level."

Owers, however, is playing down his side’s FA Cup Second Round clash at Peterborough on Saturday.

"We’re the lowest ranked team still in The FA Cup," he said. "Peterborough should have much too much for us."

There were mixed fortunes for the other FA Cup giant-killers - Conference Northern Hinckley United’s home defeat at the hands of Unibond Division 1 Willenhall Town was a major shock.

Hinckley - who made headlines with a 2-0 FA Cup defeat of Torquay - had a taste of their own medicine as Scott Colcombe and Mark Creighton of Willenhall trumped Sam McMahon’s 25th-minute opener.

Yeading rested a number of players in preparation for The FA Cup Second Round clash with Slough Town and paid for it when they went down 4-0 at home to Billericay Town.

Conference Northern Alfreton Town set aside the disappointment of The FA Cup replay loss to Macclesfield Town in the week with a comfortable 2-1 away win at Northern Premier (Division 1) North Ferriby United.

Southern League Premier side Histon, who scalped Shrewsbury in the 1st round of The FA Cup, continued their fine form with a 2-0 victory over East Thurrock United of the Southern League (Division 1 East).

And Slough Town won their all Ryman Premier clash at Chelmsford City thanks to a Matt Murphy winner three minutes from time.

Whitby Town extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to 16 games with a 1-0 away win at Stalybridge Celtic, who reached the 5th round last season.

Altrincham, who also enjoyed a good Cup run last season, fought back for a 1-1 draw at Gainsborough Trinity and a disputed second half penalty gave Hornchurch a 1-1- draw at Cambridge City.

This is the third season Carlsberg has been The FA’s presenting partner for The FA Trophy and forms an integral part of their support of football in this country.

Carlsberg is also The FA’s presenting partner for The FA Vase and The FA Sunday Cup, highlighting its commitment to non-League and grassroots football.