Saturday, November 6, 2004

WORCESTER City produced a fine second-half display which saw them score three goals to easily dispose of Chippenham Town in their FA Trophy First Round clash at St. George's Lane.

In truth, City were far too good for the Southern League Premier Division leaders and, on the evidence of this game, there is a massive gap between their level and the Nationwide North.

The first-half had been frustrating for the home side and their supporters because, despite dominating, they missed gilt-edged chances and, in view of Chippenham's lack of ambition, the first 45 minutes was not good to watch.

But it was a different story after the break as a number of City players produced fine performances though the real stars of the show were the wide men Nick Colley and youngster Tom Warmer.

Colley's performances over the last month or so have been excellent, while former West Brom scholar Warmer has taken his chance in the last couple of games.

Shabir Khan was also in superb form, having replaced Carl Heeley shortly before half-time.

Heeley felt his hamstring beginning to tighten up and was taken off as a precaution.

City, who recalled Colin Hoyle and Pat Lyons to the starting line-up, should have taken the lead inside the first ten minutes.

A superb pass from player-coach John Snape left Adam Webster clean through on goal but his shot hit the legs of goalkeeper Mark Hervin and went behind for a corner.

At the other end, experienced striker Martin Paul, who had three reasonable opportunities for the visitors, shot narrowly wide from the edge of the penalty area after good work from James Constable.

City responded and both Leon Kelly and Webster might have done better.

Kelly's shot on the turn was blocked, while Webster headed a pin-point cross from Les Hines over the bar from 10 yards.

Hines himself then nearly deceived Hervin with a quickly taken free-kick.

At the start of the second-half, Colin Hoyle and Snape missed chances but City eventually broke the deadlock and Chippenham's resistance on 58 minutes.

The impressive Warmer was fouled but referee Andrew Graves played a good advantage as the ball fell kindly to Colley and his deflected shot beat Hervin on his near post.

In what was a rare Chippenham counter-attack, despite them pushing three players forward, a dangerous Rene Regis attempt was well dealt with by City goalkeeper James Coates.

But the 19-year-old will not have too many easier games in his career as the visitors did not have a serious shot on target all afternoon.

City sealed the game on 74 minutes. Hines played a short corner to Colley, who gave it back to the full-back, and his cross was headed home by Webster at the far post.

However, the best goal of the game arrived with just three minutes remaining.

Warmer released Colley and his low pass across the box was guided into the net by Snape.

City: Coates 7, Warner 6, Hines 7, Hoyle 6, Heeley 6 (Khan 41, 7), Lyons 6, *Colley 9 (McDonald 88), Snape 6, Kelly 6, Webster 6, Warmer 8. Subs not used: Smith, Carty, Skyers.

Attendance: 627.