FOR a striker short of games, loan signing Stewart Hadley displayed precious few signs of ring rustiness as he injected some much needed pace and skill into the Worcester City frontline in their 0-0 Dr Martens League Premier Division clash with Newport County on Saturday.

Indeed the Kidderminster Harriers' hitman offered plenty of evidence to suggest he could be a big success during his brief tenure at St George's Lane.

The 27-year-old, who linked well with veteran Phil Stant, used the ball intelligently, displayed good movement and threatened to unlock a belligerent Newport County defence on a number of occasions.

A piece of skill on the right after 14 minutes left Exiles full back Ryan Souter flat on his backside and Hadley's pinpoint cross almost led to an opener for Leon Jackson whose first touch let him down.

Hadley came closest to scoring himself in the 65th minute when he fired a strong drive at Pat Mountain who could only parry the effort before recovering to gather the ball on the line.

At the back City's traditionally rock solid duo of captain Carl Heeley and Martin Weir was augmented by the commanding presence of Burton Albion loanee, Mark Blount.

Strong in the air and accurate of distribution, Blount, showed why City boss, John Barton, rates him so highly and why Burton's manager Nigel Clough, still sees him as very much a part of his plans.

"All three did well and new faces in the dressing always helps to give the place a lift and the other players responded," said Barton.

Now the City boss must look towards tomorrow night's Dr Martens Cup clash at Bedworth United.