Monday, August 21, 2000

WORCESTER City continued their unbeaten start to the new Dr Martens League Premier Division last night -- although they had to settle for a goalless draw with Bath City.

City looked much the better side for long stages but couldn't find that little bit extra required for victory.

Manager John Barton said afterwards: "I thought we were on the verge of a very good performance. Perhaps just a little bit more conviction in the areas that matter would have turned it our way.

"The first-half performance was as good as any since I have been at the club.

"I think it was important to pick up something tonight, and to do it with a clean sheet against a decent side."

Barton also had good words for his stand-in goalkeeper Paul Hayward, who was seldom troubled in his first City match for 14 years.

"He is an experienced 'keeper and has done very well for us," the manager said.

Hayward, replacing the injured Danny McDonnell, handled everything confidently, and had to make his only save of note in injury time, coming out to block well with his legs after Graham Maclean, looking well offside, sprinted clear.

Some crisp passing and tireless work both in midfield and up front stretched the visitors to the limit -- but they just fell short in terms of a cutting edge.

Steve Lutz hit the post with a first-half header, while, after the break, Mark Owen and Lutz again were denied by fine saves from Bath 'keeper Sal Bibbo, and strong penalty appeals were turned down when Ian Cottrill's effort appeared to be handled by Bath's former Hereford defender Kevin Lloyd.

Bath did not have a shot in anger until well into the second half when they began to impose themselves on the game, but the sterling efforts of Carl Heeley and Mark Tucker in the centre of defence kept Hayward's work to a minimum.

City: Hayward 8, Bradley 6, Jukes 6, Tucker 8, Heeley 9, Carty 7, Wyatt 6, Cottrill 7, Owen 7, Lutz 7, Reed 7. Subs not used: Joyce, Deakin, Hyde.

Star man: Carl Heeley.

Attendance: 1,361.