IT'S the middle of July, bees are buzzing, evenings are long and warm, and village greens echo to the sound of ball against willow - it must be time for the football season again.

Worcester City returned to action at St George's Lane with a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Second Division new boys Cheltenham Town in their first pre-season friendly of the summer.

Five years ago the two clubs were rivals in the Dr Martens League but the Robins under the direction of Steve Cotterill - and now former City boss Graham Allner - have long since left behind the kick and rush of non-league football.

The gulf in class between the two sides was apparent right from the start and City's assistant boss Mick Tuohy described Cheltenham as outstanding.

"In my time at City that is the best team we have played against," he said.

Exceptional

"For the first 15 minutes they were exceptional and to our credit we picked up the pace later and matched them physically which was encouraging."

City spent the first half hour trying to grab a foothold on the game as the visitors' slick passing left the home side chasing shadows.

Tony Naylor opened the scoring after just six minutes, pouncing at the back post after Danny McDonnell had been distracted by a challenge from Robins' trialist Damien Spencer.

To City's credit they stuck to their task with trialist Jamie Edwards displaying plenty of energy and commitment on the left.

Leon Jackson managed to get the ball in the net just before half time but his effort was ruled out for pushing.

A minute later Jackson missed a marvellous chance to make amends but he pulled Mark Owen's pass wide.

David Foy making his City debut had a tough time dealing with the veteran Mark Yates in the Robins' midfield but a delightful crossfield pass which almost set up Owen hinted at his vision and technique.

Tuohy introduced Tom Radcliffe and John Shirley at half time but it was another trialist Grant Pinkney who caught the eye following his 58th minute arrival.

Cheltenham added a third goal in the 71st minute when Hugh McAuley launched a thunderous drive that flew in off the head of Jon Holloway.

Worcester: McDonnell, Holloway, Heeley, Burrow, Carty (Cottrill 78), Foy (Pinkney 58), Jackson (Shirley 46), Middleton (Radcliffe 46), Webster (Jones 78), Edwards (Jackson 86). Attendance 650.