Monday, December 18, 2000.

WORCESTER City boss John Barton hit out at referee Andrew Hendley as his side's FA Umbro Trophy hopes went up in smoke last night.

City were beaten 3-2 at home by Hendon in their second round replay -- and Barton believed the game turned on a controversial equaliser for the visitors two minutes into the second half.

He felt Mark Tucker was fouled by visiting striker Davis Haule on the right wing, but play continued and Haule's low cross was turned into his own net by defender Carl Heeley.

Barton made his feelings plain to Mr Hendley afterwards, and said: "I thought it was a disgusting decision and one that ultimately turned the game.

"But that wasn't the reason we lost -- it was our performance in the second half.

"The concerns we have had from not finishing the job off in the first game were borne out tonight. They are a decent side who have come and played well and deserved their victory."

Defeat will be a major blow to City's morale and finances, and with eight key players sidelined they were always up against it.

But they had a dream start when, after only 70 seconds, striker Micky Cotter -- again much criticised by some fans -- played Paul Carty into space to lob home his first goal of the season.

Nathan Jukes squandered a great chance to increase the lead before City hopes were further hit when wing-back Jamie Hyde had to go off for seven stitches in a head wound.

Hendon's rapid strike force caused more and more problems as the half wore on and, despite the circumstances, their equaliser was justified on the balance of play.

Five minutes later Hendon broke swiftly after a City attack broke down and Dale Binns lashed home a shot to put the visitors in front.

Despite heavy pressure, City rarely looked like getting back into the game and Hendon sealed victory in stoppage time when Ross Pickett headed home a free-kick.

Carty then scrambled home his second after Hendon failed to clear Mark Owen's cross, but it was too late to matter.

Worcester: McDonnell 6, Joyce 6 (Scheppel 78), Jukes 5, Tucker 6, Heeley 5, Lutz 5, Carty 6, Weir 7, Owen 5, Cotter 4 (Jefferson 74), Hyde 6 (Bradley 30, 5). Subs not used: M. Wyatt, P. Wyatt.

Star man: Martin Weir.

Attendance: 610.