WORCESTER City were made to work for their latest three points in the Hellenic League Premier but secured a 17th consecutive victory at Hereford Pegasus on Saturday.

Crawley Cox equalised after Elliot Hartley’s opener just before the break but Kyle Belmonte’s penalty soon after was the decisive moment.

It had been a fast start from the visitors and they hit the woodwork twice early on as Belmonte’s lob hit the bar and Hartley’s rebound hit the post.

Liam Lockett’s cross rattled the frame of the goal before Hartley gave City the lead with a curling finish into the far corner.

Any thoughts that Worcester would go on and cruise to victory were ruled out in the 65th minute as Cox fired home past Haydn Whitcombe.

City have not dropped points since a 1-1 draw with Slimbridge last year but City were soon back ahead as the away side won a penalty that Belmonte converted.

Chris Cornes’ men then held on for the three points to secure their 17th win in a row in all competitions.

They remain a point behind league leaders Corsham Town, who won 3-1 at Wantage Town. But City do have five games in hand and remain in pole position to win the title.

Concentrations now switch back to cup football on Wednesday as City face Roman Glass St George in the second-leg of the Wiseman Lighting Floodlit Cup Final. Cornes' men take a narrow 2-1 lead into the game after Tuesday's first-leg.

Dylan Hart scored both at Malvern Town but Alfie Cummings' goal pulled the visitors back into the contest in the second-half.

Roman Glass finished the game strongly and hit the woodwork a couple of times but City held on to win the game and take a lead into Wednesday's clash.

It will be the first opportunity for City to win some silverware in a season where they could lift four trophies, including the Hellenic League Premier title, the Isuzu FA Vase and the Marsh Challenge Cup.