Saturday, July 28, 2001

Worcester City were defeated by a single goal against Dr Martens League Western Division side Atherstone United in a friendly played in blistering heat.

City boss John Barton fielded a strong side against Atherstone who are managed by former England B international Steve Mackenzie.

Recent signing from Hereford, Matt Gardiner, was named in the starting 11, but fellow new face Jon Holloway had to settle for a place on the substitutes' bench.

The home team began brightly and opened the scoring after just three minutes. Referee Mick Barnes awarded a free-kick 22 yards from goal and full-back Andy Marlowe's well-struck effort curled beyond a stranded Danny McDonnell and into the top left-hand corner.

Atherstone continued to control proceedings and they almost doubled the lead 10 minutes later with another long-range effort. Midfielder Leon Doughty unleashed a fierce 30-yard drive which was heading for the net until McDonnell dived full length to tip the shot around the post.

Worcester gradually got into the game and they should have equalised in the 25th minute through skipper Carl Heeley. Winger Mike Wyatt evaded the challenge of Andy Rutherford on the left to cross into the area and Heeley made a strong run to meet the ball but his header flashed wide when in a great position to score.

The second half was a tight affair with both teams tiring due to the extreme heat which was clearly taking its toll.

McDonnell made a smart save to deny Adders trialist Emeka Ejifor after more good work by Marlowe and home 'keeper Dale Belford had to be alert to keep out attempts from Mark Owen and Jamie Hyde.

At the final whistle Atherstone manager Mackenzie looked the more happier as his side beat a team from a higher league for the second successive Saturday.

Barton on the other hand will have found this a useful exercise but will want a vast improvement from his squad with the new season less than three weeks away.

Worcester: McDonnell, Greenman, Jukes, Gardiner, Weir, Heeley, Wyatt, Ellis, Owen, Shepherd, Hyde. Subs: Burrow, Woods, Goodman, Holloway.