Tuesday, December 11, 2001

HOLDERS Worcester City were dumped out of the Dr Martens League Cup by Bedworth United in a shock 4-0 defeat last night.

Manager John Barton admitted it was disappointing to bow out and was again left cursing slack defending.

"We talked the cup up last year so by the same token to go out this year is a great disappointment," he said. "Once again we were chasing the game from the dressing room after going a goal down in the first minute.

"Some of the play we put together in the first half was the best we have in a long while in terms of possession but we had little conviction where it matters -- in front of goal.

"They had good pace but on the balance of play to go in 2-0 at the interval was rather unjust."

City were behind to the Western Division outfit after just 68 seconds when hat-trick hero Chris Partridge caught the defence napping to fire home a quick Ben Steane free-kick.

The home side's pace was a menace to City's defence though Barton's men enjoyed most of the possession with the best early chance falling to Darren Bullock who blasted over after a pull-back by Stewart Hadley.

Barton singled out striker Hadley for praise after another impressive display. "He was outstanding, bringing people into play, not losing possession, was always neat and tidy and looked a threat," he said.

But despite his best efforts Steane doubled the lead after 24 minutes with a clever chip on the break.

City continued to lay siege to the home goal but Nathan Jukes wasted a great chance and Paul Carty struck a post with a thunderous drive.

Transfer target Adam Webster lived up to his reputation with some neat turns and flicks.

The second half brought more misery for City with Mark Shepherd missing a good opening and Mark Blount driving wide from 15 yards.

Partridge killed off any chances of a comeback by scoring the third in the 54th minute after latching onto a delightful Webster through ball, and completed his hat-trick on 68 minutes after waltzing round McDonnell.

Hadley continued to threaten but despite a hatful of chances City never looked like scoring.

Worcester: McDonnell 6, Davies 6, Jukes 6 (Hyde 63, 6), Heeley 6, Weir 7, Blount 6, Carty 6, Jackson 6, Shepherd 6, Bullock 7, H Hadley 9. Subs not used: McFarlane, Wyatt. Attendance: 116.

City entertain Tamworth in the Central Conference tonight (7.45).