The only meagre consolation were two late free kicks and a partial ending to the Ferriby hoodoo which had seen the Bucks goalless and winless in their last seven meetings.

The visitors lacked regular starters in Bowker and James – both injured – and Towey who was suspended plus Tommy Agus who was unwell.

But they did have the boost of the return on loan of last season's leading scorer Jason Bradley.

The Bucks could also point to more misfortunate refereeing decisions in the respective penalty areas.

The referee awarded a penalty kick to Ferriby converted by Gary Bradshaw into the 70 minute for a foul by Grant Black on livewire young striker Alex Davidson, but ignored Buxton's claims for a deliberate handball at 1-0 and for a foul on Reuben Wiggins-Thomas, when a belated revival was on the way.

Promising

However, after a promising annd dominant start with plenty of pleasing, passing football the Bucks lost their way entirely for an hour and needed a goal out of the blue by the persevering Gavin Knight on 74 minutes to regain control.

What is more, there was some woeful defending to present the home team with three easy goals.

The first, after nine minutes, was from a cross that found winger Larvin alone at the far post to nod in.

The Bucks reverted to an ineffective long ball game and the Humbersiders doubled their lead after 14 minutes as ex-Hull midfielder Russell Fry took a 25 yard pot shot that flew past Scott Hartley.

Manager John Reed made a triple substitution to boost an inadequate midfield, but after 53 minutes Davidson made it 3-0.

The penalty goal further embarrassed Buxton, but Gavin Knight scored four minutes later with a 20 yard free kick.

All of a sudden Buxton began to shine and on 83 minutes it was a Scott Maxfield free kick that wrong- footed the keeper.

Three minutes later and Knight almost set up a pulsating finish against the club where he made his name. He hit a firm drive against the bar and shortly after Turley was forced to make a stretching save from Wilson.

Sadly it was a little too late for Buxton in a match they had the ability to win.

Buxton's FA Cup campaign continues on Saturday with a home tie against struggling Blue Square North club Burscough - kick off 3pm.