CITY went out of the Capital One Cup with their heads held high, according to Phil Parkinson.

A double from Benik Afobe saw MK Dons avenge last week's league defeat and advance into the fourth round.

The on-loan Arsenal striker, a target for Parkinson last year, scored at the beginning and the end last night – but the City chief felt his team were more than a match for the hosts in between.

Parkinson said: "I thought we played some great stuff and passed it really well. From four minutes to 88 minutes, we were the better team.

"We just lacked a goal to get us back in it. I felt if we'd scored second half, we'd have gone on to win it.

"I couldn't have asked for any more. It was an excellent all-round performance from us.

"Nobody wants to go out of the cup but at least you go out in a creditable fashion and I felt we did that."

Captain Stephen Darby missed his first game since January 2013 because of a tight groin. Gary Liddle took over the armband and switched to right back as Parkinson shuffled his depleted options.

Mason Bennett was deployed on the wing after Derby, who are still in the cup after beating Reading, agreed to let him play.

Parkinson, who will have Alan Sheehan back from suspension on Saturday, said: "I was pleased for Mason. He did some good things.

"He just needs a goal and something to happen for him to give him a lift. I still believe he could be a big player for us.

"Fortunately for us, Derby let us play him. We said to them we wanted to start him out wide and look at him in that position and they agreed.

"We picked a formation we felt was the best for the personnel available. Gary went in at right back and was excellent.

"With the MK Dons' goal record, scoring six at the weekend and five prior to us last playing them, they've got so many threats. But we stuck to our jobs very well.

"We defended well in the main. (Jordan) Spence had that great chance when he drove across goal but apart from that I didn't really feel too much under threat."

Oliver McBurnie made his second start of the season alongside Billy Clarke, who Parkinson felt was City's best player.

He said: "It's been good for Olly, who's getting better and stronger. It was a tough job up against two experienced centre halves.

"I thought Billy was as good as anyone on the pitch apart from Afobe, who got the goals.

"We tried to get him last year and he went to Sheffield Wednesday instead. Obviously he's come to MK Dons and done well."

MK Dons v City picture gallery