A LATE fightback could not stop Worcester City from slumping to back-to-back Midland League Premier Division defeats for the first time since the opening week of the season.

The visitors failed to build on an excellent early effort from Ethan Moran and found themselves trailing 2-1 at the break as Dan Hanson and Ben Last replied for the Scholars just before half-time.

Further goals from Dan Collins and Matty Crookes followed before substitutions and a change in formation gave City a final boost but goals from James Lemon and George Forsyth were not enough to stave off defeat.

Guest reporter David Lawrence gives his analysis on how the action unfolded at Holywell Park.

PLAYING THE RIGHT GAME

It was no surprise that against a Loughborough University side who try to play neat, passing football, City were at their most effective late on when they introduced the rumbustious Kyonn Evans and started hurling balls into the box.

For much of the game, the Scholars midfield had the edge but the final stages saw Luke English and George Forsyth pushing forward down the right and sending over an aerial bombardment which finally asked question of the keeper and his defence.

LEMON ADDED THE FIZZ

There has been talk of Jamal Lawrence staking a claim for the number nine shirt but maybe the time has come to give James Lemon a run in the team.

He has shown a great scoring touch at a lower level and bagged an excellent goal in this game after replacing Jordan Harrison who once again looked to be struggling with the weight of expectation on his shoulders.

His 30-minute display at the end of the match was full of energy and imagination and helped spark that late revival along with fellow substitutes Evans and Sam Hall.

CAPTAIN’S IMPACT

Talk during the week had been of Ilkeston’s interest in City’s George Forsyth but he captained the side at Loughborough and put in a decent display as did Chris Withington.

My only concern is that by playing such an insightful player in the centre of defence you miss his ability to influence proceedings.

Having gone 4-1 behind, City went to a back three of English, Grant Horton and Callum McFarlane giving the skipper the chance to push into midfield.

Needless to say it was his cross that led to Lemon scoring and he wrapped up a man-of-the-match performance with possibly the goal of the game.

GETTING THE WALL RIGHT

Two of Loughborough’s goals came from set-pieces, something that will anger the boss.

One free-kick appeared to go straight through the wall and although Sam Gilder did well to keep the ball out he was helpless to stop the Scholars’ livewire striker Ben Collins from tucking away the rebound.

Just as bad was having the City keeper set up his wall only to have the bench order young Ethan Moran to move away from proceedings.

You can guess where the ball was struck! Poor Gilder had no chance as Ben Last found the bottom corner.

AND FINALLY

It would be remiss of me not to dwell on the quality of City’s goals.

Moran gave them the perfect start with a gem of a volley that flew into the top right-hand corner.

Lemon’s spectacular diving header 10 minutes from time was almost as good but for me the pick of the bunch was Forsyth’s sublime 25-yard effort which he placed over the Scholars keeper and just under the crossbar.

MATCH FACTS AND STATS

MIDLAND FOOTBALL LEAGUE PREMIER: Loughborough University 4 (Hanson 39, Last 44, Collins 55, Crookes 79) Worcester City 3 (Moran 10, Lemon 80, Forsyth 85)

City: Gilder 5.5, English 6, McFarlane 5.5, Forsyth 7.5, Horton 6, Withington 7.5, Birley 5.5 (Evans 57, 7), Attoumani 5 (Hall 63, 6), Harrison 5.5 (Lemon 57, 7), Lockett 5, Moran 6.5. Subs (not used): Fishwick, Lawrence.

Loughborough: Hobbs 6.5, Lewis 6, Slack 5.5, Smith 7.5, Jackson 7.5, Croud 6.5, Crookes 7, Last 6.5, Collins 8 (Olapo 78, 5.5), Hanson 7 (Connor 69, 5.5), Dasaolu 6.5 (Bryan 5). Subs (not used): Burt-Allen, Hilton.

Attendance: 147.

Referee: Simon Kavanagh 7.