Friday, October 8, 2004

A BATTLING display from Worcester City earned them a deserved goalless draw with Nationwide North leaders Alfreton Town at St George's Lane last night.

It was perhaps not a Friday night thriller, with precious few chances throughout the gritty tussle, but the point ends a run of four consecutive defeats for John Barton's side.

However, there was despair for City as their injury jinx came back to haunt them yet again. This time it was Aaron Kerr who fell victim, the Northern Irish goalkeeper carried off with suspected ligament damage before the interval.

Rookie goalie Lewis Skyers was forced into action, for the second consecutive match, and the youngster impressed with a fine handling display after the break.

Former youth team defender Shabir Khan also starred in City's three-man rearguard on a night when defence came out on top.

Manager Barton said: "The players have given everything. We needed to change a couple of things and decided to put an extra man in defence. We wanted people to do jobs that were perhaps a bit strange for them.

"We are in a bad run but I thought the players stood up to be counted. They put in a lot of effort and commitment. Nobody fancied us and I'm sure a few came along to see us get beaten again. Perhaps we've answered those critics.

"It was the best score in terms of a draw for us. It was nice to keep a clean sheet."

A cagey first half saw limited chances, with Leon Kelly creating the first opportunity on 11 minutes when he dashed past Town's Ian Robinson down the left wing before firing wide inside the box.

Alfreton then came close on 26 minutes when Mick Godber teed up Chris Bettney, whose shot from the edge of the box was deflected inches wide of the post.

Adam Webster was denied at the other end moments later, the former Bedworth United striker picking up Nick Colley's through ball before lashing a 20-yard strike straight at Lee Butler.

Carl Heeley required treatment when scythed down by Ben Chapman inside the box, but Kerr had no chance staying on the pitch following the heavy challenge with Godber which came after a stray back pass from Khan.

Alfreton looked likelier to nick the winner with Godber missing out with two opportunities, firstly on 54 minutes when he turned Pat Lyons inside the box before firing yards wide, then on 74 minutes when his drive from 15 yards smashed against the City bar and away to safety.

CITY: Kerr 6 (Skyers 45, 7), Khan 8, Hines 7, Hoyle 7, HEELEY 8, Warner 7, Colley 6, McDonald 6 (Owen 78), Webster 6, Kelly 6, Lyons 7. Subs not used: Smith, Woolley, Warmer. Attendance: 819. Referee: Philip Caswell (Leicester)