Monday, November 29, 2004

STRIKES from Adam Webster and Tom Warmer clinched a 2-1 smash-and-grab win for Worcester City at Droylsden last night in the National Conference Cup second round.

City's second November success at the Butchers Arms, which books them a trip to Conference club Tamworth in the next stage, was built on resolute defending and deadly finishing.

John Barton's troops were not as sharp and authoritative as a fortnight ago in Nationwide North when the east Manchester outfit were ran ragged by City's bossy five-man midfield.

The Bloods controlled the game for long periods this time around and it needed strong performances at the back for City to come through.

But Colin Hoyle and Barry Woolley were pillars of rock in central defence, especially in the first-half as Droylsden dominated, and Danny McDonnell was imperious in goal throughout.

City were less prominent in attack and Webster's toe-poke finish and Warmer's late 25-yard blockbuster proved their only two worthwhile efforts on goal.

Barton said: "Danny McDonnell and the defence were outstanding for us. The defensive performance in the first-half, in terms of heading and blocking, was the basis for us to go and win the game in the second-half.

"If we had not defended properly, the game would have been beyond us.

"It was difficult for us coming so quickly after the Prescot game and Droylsden is quite a hostile place to come and get a result. We are really pleased and this can only give us more confidence."

City survived a testing opening half with McDonnell pulling off two marvellous one-on-one saves from frontman Lutel James, while Jody Banim lashed an effort from the edge of the box against the underside of the bar.

Droylsden's free-kick specialist Gareth Morris also caused mayhem with two set-pieces, with one requiring a last ditch clearance and another headed inches wide by captain Garry Burke.

At the opposite end, Webster and Rob Warner both dragged good opportunities wide of goal before the interval.

Lead

However, Webster gave City the lead on 51 minutes, running on to Pat Lyons' pass and blasting past 'keeper Jon Worsnop for his 11th goal of the season.

The Bloods pulled level on 66 minutes when Banim's corner was headed home by unmarked substitute Ian Fitzpatrick.

But City enjoyed the last laugh when Warmer cut inside Andy Lee and Carl Regan to unleash a right-foot screamer, his first goal for the club, which gave Worsnop little chance on 85 minutes.

City: McDonnell 8, Warner 7, Khan 6 (Clarke 46, 6), Hoyle 8, Heeley (c) 7, Lyons 7, *Woolley 9, Stanley 6 (Whittington 76), Kelly 6, Webster 7, Warmer 7. Subs not used: McDonald, Smith, Skyers.

Attendance: 155.