Tuesday, August 19, 2003

ADAM Wilde returned to inspire Worcester City to a 2-0 victory at Merthyr Tydfil in the Dr Martens Premier Division last night.

But goalkeeper Danny McDonnell was the hero, saving a hotly disputed penalty.

Manager John Barton heaped praise on McDonnell whose stop, followed up by a goalline clearance from Jon Holloway, came at a crucial time with City just a goal up.

"Danny didn't have a lot to do but when he was called upon he came up trumps and that's why he's the best in the league," said Barton.

Leon Kelly, who missed a great early chance, had put City ahead after 16 minutes, scooping home Barry Woolley's headed flick-on from close range.

Merthyr, despite the aerial threat of Cortez Belle, had not seriously threatened the City goal when referee Martin Cassidy awarded a dubious spot-kick in the 28th minute.

Woolley's clearing header was thumped goalbound by Craig Evans, striking Darren Middleton and ricocheting over the bar.

With Merthyr racing over to take the corner, Cassidy, to the amazement of all and the furious protests of Woolley who was booked, pointed to the spot.

But Gary Thorne's penalty was blocked low to his right by McDonnell and Belle's follow up was hoisted clear by the alert Holloway.

Six minutes later City doubled their advantage when Wilde caught the Martyrs napping at the back and rifled home a left foot shot.

Wilde proved the difference for City in a fast and furious game and his pace and power almost netted him a superb goal after just three minutes, only Neil Thomas' reflexes denying him.

Mark Owen was a whisker away with a right foot shot on 41 minutes but City had two late first half scares, McDonnell making a fine parry to keep out a 20-yard shot from Evans and a spectacular leap to thwart Belle's curling effort.

The second half was more frenetic but with Woolley colossal at the back, City held firm for victory.

Barton said: "We deserved the victory and the start set us up for that.

"The second half didn't reach the heights of the first but we got to the winning post fairly comfortably.

"Leon's goal was a good goalpoacher's goal which settled us and it was nice to have Adam Wilde back. We missed him on Saturday -- I don't think there is a better player in the league in his position."

McDonnell 8: Penalty stop and three other good saves. As Barton says - the best in the league.

Davies 7: Involved in opening goal, defended stoutly.

Jones 6: Nervous start but stuck to task gamely, some nice touches.

Holloway 7: Goalline clearance after penalty, brave display with broken nose, didn't shirk tough headers.

Woolley 8: Weathered early aerial storm from Belle, colossal at back and had hand in Kelly goal.

Snape 7: Bullied and cajoled team-mates, tigerish in the tackle.

Wilde 9: Superb in first half, his pace and running made the difference. Well-taken goal.

Webster 6: Solid contribution, growing into right midfield role.

Owen 6: Worked socks off, just needs a goal. (Hadley 82).

Kelly 6: Relatively subdued but two chances, one goals says it all.

Middleton 6: Worked hard for the team, chasing and harrying tirelessly alongside Snape (Counsell 77).

Subs not used: Hayes, Holmes, Parker.

Goalscorers: Kelly 4 (0-1), Wilde 34 (0-2).

Cards: Yellow: Merthyr; Belle (foul). Worcester; Woolley (dissent), Owen (foul).

Attendance: 653

Referee: Mr M Cassidy (Weston)

Merthyr: Thomas, Edwards, Keddle (Heal 46), Needs, Jones, Thorne, Carter, Evans (Bale 61), Belle, Aherne-Eveans, Dorrian.