Saturday, January 22, 2005

WORCESTER City produced a spirited performance, in what was their first game since manager John Barton resigned, but it was not enough to prevent them from slipping to a third consecutive defeat against Harrogate.

City's players could not be faulted for their effort and they got themselves back into the game, with a well-taken goal, but ultimately they lacked the quality to really hurt an impressive Harrogate side.

Worcester went into the game without three of their recognised back four -- Colin Hoyle was suspended, Les Hines missed out with a calf injury, while Rob Warner was ill.

Into the team came Barry Woolley and Shabir Khan, while Paul Carty played at right-back.

John Snape also named himself in the starting line-up, while Pat Lyons was recalled and Nick Colley dropped to the substitutes bench.

Harrogate had the game's first chance on seven minutes. Striker Danny Holland got in behind the City defence but fortunately for the home side he fired his shot over the crossbar.

Holland was again involved on 21 minutes when Woolley blocked his shot. Goalkeeper Danny McDonnell then made a decent save from Marc Smith's follow-up effort.

City responded well and were unlucky not to go in front shortly afterwards. Adam Webster turned and fired a shot against the crossbar following a left-wing cross from Snape.

On 29 minutes it was Harrogate's turn to be denied by the woodwork. Leigh Wood's header was tipped on to the crossbar by McDonnell.

The visitors could, and should have been reduced to ten men just after the 30 minutes mark when Smith fouled Khan with a high challenge. But the big striker escaped with a caution.

Harrogate took the lead in the 61st minute after a flowing move, which started in the right-back position and ended with James Turley's right-wing cross being converted by Holland from close range.

Worcester might have dropped their heads at this stage, but to their credit they didn't and a fine block from Simon Sturdy denied Webster before the home side equalised on 79 minutes.

Webster's cross into the penalty area was headed intelligently down by Pat Lyons to Jai Stanley who swept the ball past goalkeeper Paul Pettinger.

Harrogate, however, showed just why they are rated so highly, by stepping up a gear, which enabled them to go and find the elusive winner.

Substitute Lee Morris's header was tipped over by McDonnell, but from the resulting corner, Sturdy was allowed space for a free header at the far post.

His knock-down was fired into the roof of the net by Holland to break City's hearts.

City: McDonnell 7, Carty 6, Khan 7 (Colley 89) Woolley 7, Heeley 6, Snape 6, Lyons 7, H Stanley 8, Kelly 6, Webster 7, Warmer 6. Subs (not used): Clarke, Whittington, Smith, Skyers.

Attendance: 745.