Barrow 2 Worcester City 2

WORCESTER City maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a hard-earned, but well-deserved point, following a 2-2 draw with Barrow at Holker Street.

City, who showed plenty of character throughout the Nationwide North clash, might have taken all three points, having led with only eight minutes left, but a draw was a fair result on the balance of play.

In an interesting contrast of styles, City tried to play a neat passing game on a pitch which had no pace in it, while Barrow were very direct.

City had plenty of possession in the first half but they rarely looked like scoring though the best chance fell to Pat Lyons on 22 minutes.

Receiving the ball just inside the penalty area, his right-foot shot hit the legs of keeper Adam Capp, who had a fine game, and from the rebound Adam Webster's effort was also scrambled clear.

At the other end, Barrow, despite looking quite sharp, had not troubled Danny McDonnell until the 33rd minute when they took the lead.

Steven Flitcroft's corner eluded Paul Carty and Ian Kilford fired the ball into the roof of the net from 10 yards.

Barrow were then the better side up to half-time with Flitcroft and Michael Rankine going close.

Straight after the interval, Jamie Patterson dragged a shot wide and Gavin Knight was denied by McDonnell for the home.

But City turned the game on it's head with a swift two goals in three minutes.

Firstly, Rob Warner's throw-in was helped on by Leon Kelly to Webster who scored at the near post.

Then Webster turned provider, playing the ball across the box to Kelly who coolly slotted the ball past Capp under pressure.

It was fitting the two strikers scored the goals because they were excellent all afternoon.

Kelly could have made the points safe on 81 minutes when his pace took him away from a defender.

But his touch was just too heavy which allowed Capp to make a brilliant block.

It proved a crucial stop as Barrow went straight up the other end and equalised.

Patterson's deep cross was headed home by sub Michael Kewley off the underside of the crossbar.

City were not quite so lucky on 87 minutes when Barry Woolley saw his header rebound off the post, hit goalkeeper Capp and drop agonisingly wide.

City: McDonnell 8, Warner 8, Hines 7, Hoyle 7, Woolley 8, Carty 7, Colley 7, Stanley 7, *Webster 9, Kelly 8, Lyons 7. Subs not used: Davies, Hobbs, McDonald, Khan, Skyers.

Attendance: 1,005.

n Redditch United slumped to a second Nationwide North home defeat in a row against early leaders Alfreton Town. Mark Taylor struck from 25 yards but Peter Duffield, Ian Robinson and Ben Chapman scored for the visitors.