Saturday, December 8, 2001

IF manager John Barton was disappointed not to take three points from a traditionally high-scoring fixture between Worcester City and Newport County he will have at least been pleased with his trio of debutants at St George's Lane.

Stewart Hadley, Mark Blount and Leon Jackson all offered glimpses of promise that could yet galvanise a City side short on confidence following a run of poor displays and injuries.

Up front Hadley displayed some good touches and almost struck a 65th minute winner with a fierce shot, while Jackson tackled well and made some good runs into the Exiles' box.

At the back the impressive Blount was steady and composed alongside the excellent Carl Heeley and Martin Weir and the City defence looked stronger than it has for a while.

After the match Hadley, glad to be playing again, was satisfied with the draw but admitted lady luck was not on his side in front of goal.

"It was a tough game. They weren't a bad side and we tried to catch them on the break a few times, but it didn't happen in the box especially for myself. All in all I think the manager was pleased with the game," he said.

"It was my first match for a couple of months and it was good to get playing again.

"There were not many clear-cut chances for either side but we had the better of the game."

After a 23-goal glut in the last three games between the two sides, a goalless draw was perhaps inevitable, but there were moments that hinted at a brighter future for City.

Unfortunately they did not reveal themselves in any depth and the 1,000-strong crowd watched more in hope than expectation as the match bubbled along without managing to catch fire with some poor finishing at either end.

Jackson's touch let him down at a vital moment after a piece of Hadley skill on the right in the 14th minute, while Nathan Jukes planted two good chances several feet over the bar.

City enjoyed some good passing spells but often they broke down at crucial moments and it was the visitors who had the two best efforts. Darren Ryan missed from eight yards and ex-Hereford United loan player Steve Cowe struck a post.

Substitute Mark Shepherd livened up proceedings for City but summed up the match when he shot straight at Pat Mountain from six yards out.