DARREN Middleton proved a real Bobby Dazzler with two late goals to snatch a priceless 3-1 win against Hednesford and put Worcester's title challenge firmly back on track.

But though Middleton stole the glory with his 12th and 13th goals of the season, it was the collective effort that shone through as City shed any doubts about their desire to be serious contenders.

Kevin Francis had posed that question with a 71st minute hammer blow that cancelled out Jon Holloway's opener.

But on a rain-sodden surface John Barton's side delivered the goods during a knife-edged final 19 minutes.

City had not beaten the Pitmen at the Lane since 1938, not even managing a goal, so Holloway's fourth minute opener was definitely a collector's item.

It was however no surprise to see Holloway back on the scoresheet - fiercely competitive he has been integral to Worcester's success and was badly missed over the festive period.

At times the speed of City's breaks was breathtaking to watch but the opening goal came from a more mundane scramble following an Adam Wilde free kick in the fourth minute, that, after failed attempts by David Holmes and Carl Heeley, was finally thumped home by Holloway.

With Barton's boys on form the crowd settled back expecting goals but for all City's opportunities it was keeper Danny McDonnell who was forced to make the better saves.

Quick reflexes denied Bryan Small in the 11th minute while a fingertip stop thwarted Paul Ware just before the interval.

Pat Lyons made the first of two excellent goalline clearances to deny Ashley Williams on the half hour mark before displaying his vision with a glorious ball to release Wilde but Michael Bingham saved bravely at his feet.

Wilde almost doubled the lead in the 67th minute but four minutes later the Pitmen had dug themselves out of a hole with the awkward Francis stabbing home from two yards after Chris Brindley and Graham Lancashire had been denied by the bar and McDonnell respectively.

Barton's team had paid the price for taking their foot off the gas but undeterred, a Holmes inspired City restored the lead in the 75th minute.

Holmes found Wilde whose fiercely struck shot was parried by Bingham to the feet of Middleton who gleefully lashed in the rebound.

City continued to live dangerously and two minutes later Lyons rescued them again, heading Brindley's effort off the line.

The last 10 minutes saw action at either end, first from Webster heading just over, then a stunning Heeley tackle robbing Ware, a la Bobby Moore and Pele, on the edge of the area before Middleton completed a frantic finale, coolly slotting in his second goal after another Holmes pass.

WORCESTER: McDonnell 8, Davies 7, Carty 7, Heeley 8, Holloway 8, Snape 8, Middleton 7, Lyons 8, Webster 7 (Willetts 83), Holmes 9, Wilde 8. Attendance: 1,251.