MATT Sargeant should have saved Gareth Arnison’s decisive strike in the 1-0 defeat at Workington, according to Worcester City manager Carl Heeley.

Arnison’s 55th minute curling long-range effort looped over the City keeper to break the deadlock and hand the hosts the points at Borough Park.

It was one of few chances in a contest that saw Workington leap-frog City into 13th place in Blue Square Bet North.

Heeley said: “It was a half-decent strike but I expect my keeper to deal with that from there, it was a poor goal.

“He’s frustrated but mistakes are part and parcel of the game.

“I don’t know how far out it was but it was straight in the middle of the goal and he’s got to deal with that and he knows that.

“We’re in it as a team and individual errors are part and parcel of it and unfortunately we got beaten.”

He added: “For me it was a typical end of season game on a bobbly surface and it looked a 0-0 all day long.

“There weren’t a great amount of chances in the game and I don’t think either team did enough to win it.”

Heeley, however, was generally pleased with his team’s display despite the result.

“Shabir Khan, Tyler Weir and Rob Elvins did well,” the Worcester boss said. “I also thought Matt Breeze and Tom Thorley did really well. It wasn’t a bad performance, it’s just unfortunate that the goal has cost us.”

But he thought referee Paul Graham could have aided his side’s chances in the closing stages.

Heeley explained: “With 15 minutes to go there were clear fouls and I wanted a free-kick to put the ball into their box.

“I know he wanted to keep the game flowing but it wasn’t a running pitch.”