Shaun Goater and his Manchester City team-mates attempted in vain to have their League Cup clash with Notts County called off last night as a mark of respect for those killed in the terrorist attrocities in the United States.

The shockwaves from the tragedy across the Atlantic were felt by players and fans alike in England and many believed it was not right to go ahead with a sporting event.

"Because of the sheer magnitude of events which have dominated the world today we did not feel that it was an appropriate time to play a game of football," said City's chief operating officer Chris Bird.

"Notts County agreed with us and the club secretary contacted the Football League. They told us the game had to go ahead. Kevin Keegan (Manchester City manager) then phoned the Football League but they did not return his call.

"As a mark of respect our chairman, David Bernstein, has not come to the game."

The match between Second Division County and First Division City turned out to be something of a cracker with Bermudian Goater playing a key role.

It was goalless at half-time but the game opened up in the second period.

Chris Shuker opened the scoring for City in the 61st minute with an acute header.

But five minutes later County were back on level terms when Danny Allsopp, a former City player, netted.

City were 2-1 down by the 69th minute when Mark Stallard's clever footwork engineered an opening on the edge of the box and the striker shot left-footed past Nicky Weaver in goal.

The clocked ticked on and it looked like City were heading for an embarrassing cup exit.

Enter Goater. With just five minutes of normal time remaining the Islander took advantage of slack defending by County.

Kevin Horlock's free kick was driven out but only as far as Simon Colosimo who played in Goater and he beat the offside trap and touched the ball past the advancing 'keeper to bring the scores level.

The game went into extra-time and within a minute City forged ahead. Darren Huckerby sent in a perfect cross and Paul Dickov headed his first goal of the season from close range.

Huckerby then put the game beyond the home side when he netted City's fourth from the edge of the area.

City's next opponents will be known when the draw is made on Saturday.