A SUPERB strike from free-kick specialist Tom Thorley proved decisive as Worcester City recorded back-to-back league wins for only the second time this season.

The midfielder curled the ball beyond the defensive wall and keeper Carl Pentney after Ethan Moore had been fouled on the edge of the box 17 minutes into the second-half.

It gave City their second successive win following last Saturday’s 3-1 triumph against Hinckley United and the first time they had achieved such a feat since beating Bishop’s Stortford and Corby Town back in August.

Thorley’s effort, his first goal in five months, was the latest to add to his set-piece repertoire this term and also hand City their first win on the road since winning at Stalybridge Celtic on February 9.

The visitors, unchanged following their victory over Hinckley, showed plenty of industry in the first period with Thorley, Kieron Morris and Matt Birley the chief threats.

Thorley popped up across the park, while Morris and Birley sought to carve out openings for Mike Symons and Moore.

Morris’ pace often had the hosts on the back foot and on one occasion he burst through a couple of challenges before having a shot deflected through to Pentney.

Symons also went close with an effort and Birley was just beaten to a header in the six-yard box by Adam Bailey-Dennis as he prepared to pounce.

Despite their endeavour, however, Pentney was not seriously tested by the visitors and it was opposite number Matt Sargeant who was the busier of the two keepers.

He had his palms warmed by both Billy Lobjoit and Reece Prestedge, while Reneil Sappleton sent a skidding drive inches wide of the post.

Sargeant was also struggling to take goal kicks, devolving responsibility to Rob Elvins and later Thorley.

Harry Baker provided the hosts' main outlet down the right and he supplied a cross which Prestedge planted over the bar.

City club captain Stuart Whitehead replaced Matt Breeze at the break, allowing him to slot into the defence and return Elvins to his usual midfield role.

Baker had penalty appeals waved away after he went down under the challenge of Tyler Weir before Johnny Herd fired over.

Seconds later, City, who also replaced Birley with Charlie Reece, took the lead. Moore was fouled right on the edge of the box and Thorley curled an exquisite free-kick around the wall and into the top corner. Bishop’s Stortford pressed for an equaliser and Brian Woodall fired the ball agonisingly the wrong side of the upright.

The visitors had to do their fair share of defending but they posed a threat on the break through former Aston Villa youngster Daniel Williams, on for Morris, and Reece.

Williams’ brief cameo included the only booking of the game, for a trip on Prestedge, while he also somehow out the ball wide from two yards late on following Moore's square pass.

Worcester City: Sargeant 7, Smith 8, Weir 8, Thorley, 9*, Rowe 8, Elvins 8, Birley 7 (Reece 50, 7), Breeze 6 (Whitehead HT, 7), Symons 8, Moore 7, Morris 7 (Williams 74). Subs not used: Taylor, Ayres.

Attendance: 261.