Saturday, April 16, 2005

A MUCH-changed Worcester City were beaten in their penultimate Nationwide North clash at St George's Lane in a low-key clash that had a real end-of-season feel.

Player-manager Andy Preece made four changes from the team beaten 2-0 at Altrincham in mid-week which ended their already slim hopes of making the play-offs.

Lewis Skyers made his full debut in goal in place of injured Danny McDonnell, while Dan Parker replaced Carl Heeley at the heart of defence.

In midfield, Liam McDonald was given a rare start in place of John Snape, while Preece himself came in for Adam Webster who started on the bench.

The 3-5-2 formation remained the same, however, and City started brightly but, despite some decent football at times, they lacked any real penetration.

In the end, a deflected goal on the stroke of half-time proved enough to give the Cumbrians the points.

Overall, City deserved at least a share of the spoils but there were probably more negatives than positives to take from the game.

The plus points were an assured display from Skyers who, despite not having a great deal to do, looked confident and he certainly could not be faulted for the goal, while Paul Carty had another outstanding game at sweeper.

City had plenty of possession and created some decent chances but didn't really force a serious save out of Barrow's goalkeeper Simon Bishop.

Leon Kelly burst into the penalty area in only the third minute but fired at the legs of Bishop and that seemed to set the tone for the rest of the afternoon.

Barrow were content to sit back in the first-half and soak up anything the hosts threw at them.

Les Hines fired a free-kick across the face of goal and then shot wide when well placed.

Rob Warner and Kelly also missed good opportunities before Barrow scored what proved to be the only goal right at the end of the first-half.

Gavin Knight picked up a pass just outside the penalty area and his shot took a wicked deflection off Carty to completely deceive Skyers.

Barrow were far more confident in the second-half and play became a lot more even although Preece and Barry Woolley had chances to bring City level early in the half.

Webster replaced Clegg and for the last 35 minutes City played with three strikers but a well-organised Barrow defence restricted the chances that came their way.

In fact, Barrow should have doubled their advantage shortly after Webster came on, but Skyers made a superb save to deny Gareth Simpson.

In the closing stages, Jai Stanley fired over, while in stoppage time, substitute James Smith blasted a volley over the top from close range, an effort that would not have counted as the assistant referee had already flagged for offside.

City: Skyers 7, Warner 6 (Warmer 80), Hines 6, *Carty 8, Woolley 6, Parker 6, Clegg 6 (Webster 55, 6), Stanley 6, Kelly 6 (Smith 80), McDonald 6, Preece 6. Subs not used: Snape, Colley.

Attendance: 885.