Wednesday, December 19, 2001

TWO late strikes and a Jon Holloway red card ruined a battling display by an injury and illness ravaged Worcester City side as they went down 2-0 at Tiverton Town last night.

The combative Holloway received his marching orders in the 81st minute after trading punches with goalkeeper Paul Edwards as they grappled on the floor in the Tiverton net.

It was a cruel end to a match which had started so brightly for John Barton's team whose impressive first-half was only marred by their inability to convert pressure into goals.

Barton did not dispute Holloway's sending off but called on officials to deal with provocation, claiming the midfielder had been struck first.

"He's raised his arms and retaliated and OK he had to go but when are we going to sort out provocation," he said.

Barton had endured a dreadful day losing a string of players, the last Allan Davies (groin) just before the kick-off.

In all 10 first teamers were missing including Saturday's hat-trick hero Mark Shepherd, bed-ridden with flu, and Darren Bullock (ankle). Youth players Liam McDonald and Matt Stock were drafted onto the bench along with youth development officer Ray Woods.

City carved out early chances, the best falling to Mark Blount in the second minute when his header from a corner was brilliantly saved by Edwards.

The goalkeeper then foiled Stewart Hadley after he created space inside the box to fire in a low drive which Edwards held onto at the second attempt.

Early in the second period, Blount saw another header cleared off the line and Leon Jackson should have done better when lobbing the ball wide.

City's failure to score was punished by two Phil Everett goals in the 76th and 79th minutes, both created by teenage Millwall target Jamie Mudge.

Barton felt his team deserved a draw but said they needed to do it for 90 minutes. "It's no good for 60 minutes. Players have got to hold their discipline and keep doing the job. The minimum you get out of the game is a draw," he said.

"We had chances but little conviction and once again I thought we should have won the game before half-time."

City: McDonnell 6, Carty 9, Jukes 7, Heeley 8, McFarlane 6 (Woods 59, 6), Holloway 6, Jackson 7, Blount 8, Burrow 7, Hyde 6, Hadley 7. Subs not used: McDonald, Stock. Attendance: 571.