GOALKEEPER Danny McDonnell presented the case for the defence following last Saturday's draw when Ashton United rained down on his goal time and again.

Worcester City's number one was in magnificent form at St George's Lane to deny the Greater Manchester opponents victory.

He pulled off save after save to earn his side what might be a priceless Nationwide North point come the end of the season.

McDonnell's impressive efforts with the gloves confirmed something that City supporters already knew -- that he remains one of the most talented 'keepers outside of the Football League.

Whether it leads to the popular 32-year-old earning another call-up to England's National XI squad in the future, only time well tell.

But while McDonnell came out of the game smelling of roses, City's defenders took the brunt of the criticism.

He admitted: "I think it was disappointing more than anything. We let the manager down and we let the supporters down. Everybody was a bit shell-shocked afterwards.

"It was very poor but sometimes it just happens. Everybody goes out there with the intention of doing their best.

"The first-half was okay but there were warning signs. It was a very hectic last half-hour.

"It's very difficult to put a finger on it. There are 11 people out on the pitch and everybody has got to do their job.

"We've had a reasonably good run recently of five or six games so you can't be too critical. But there were a few words said in the dressing room afterwards."

However, McDonnell would love to keep a clean sheet with the last achieved for City by James Coates against Chippenham Town in the FA Trophy on November 6.

He continued: "If you pay too much attention to it, that can become a millstone around the neck.

"If you get things right across the park, we would get that clean sheet.

"It's a complete and utter team effort. I've never been one to take the plaudits when we keep clean sheets. But we are not doing the nasty things well.

"We are not doing that as well as we should do. We are getting what we deserve as a result. Ultimately, goals win games but clean sheets are ever so important."

Meanwhile, City are scheduled to play their re-arranged league game with Nuneaton Borough at St George's Lane on Monday.

But if today's FA Trophy third round visit to Hednesford Town ends in a tie, then that game will take priority next week.