A SPIRITED second-half display by Worcester City was not enough for them to progress into the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup after they were hit by a first-half strike.

Having gone in at half-time behind to a Phil Trainer goal, City threw everything but the kitchen sink at Telford but they just could not find a breakthrough.

If the prospects of travelling to Blyth Spartans or Unibond League Division One North basement boys Salford City, who play tomorrow night, failed to whet anyone's appetite in the next round, then the chance to boost City's coffers by £7,500 should have.

City have already banked more than £4,500 from beating Bourne Town in the second qualifying round of the world's most famous domestic cup competition, but now they must concentrate on climbing the Blue Square South table.

Worcester manager Richard Dryden recalled Marco Adaggio to the side after leaving him on the bench at the Bucks Head on Saturday in favour of Rob Davies, while Dryden was also forced into a late change.

Having named defender Mark Clyde in the team he had to drop him down to the bench 10 minutes before kick-off with Wayne Daniel replacing him.

Telford began from where they left off on Saturday — bombarding the City goal. However, just like at the weekend the St George's Lane team kept them at bay, while the visitors know-how in front of goal left a lot to be desired.

But the pressure was always going to get too much for Dryden's men and City conceded in the 23rd minute.

Steve Torpey, wide on the right, cut inside and lifted the ball over the advancing Ben Hinchcliffe for the waiting Trainer to head the ball home.

It was just reward for the Shropshire side, they had been just too quick and incisive for Worcester, who were restricted to half chances from Adaggio, Rob Elvins and Craig Wilding in the opening 45 minutes.

But Dryden's half-time team-talk got City fired up as Matt Dinsmore and Wilding both tested the Telford keeper in the opening three minutes.

First, Dinsmore fired in a shot from the edge of the area that the visiting keeper did well to turn behind before Wilding curls in an effort after connecting with Elvins' cross.

After taking their foot off the gas following the early pressure, City came battling back.

Adaggio had the best City chance but he lacked a clinical edge to draw his side level. After side-footing a shot straight at Young, he then fired wide with the goal begging.

Both sides had further chances in an enthralling second-half, but somehow Telford clung on.

City: Hinchcliffe 7, Spencer 7, Khan 7, Wilding 7, Daniel 7, Kemp (capt) 7, Ward 6 (Davies 46, 8), Walker 7, Elvins 7, Adaggio 8, Dinsmore 8*. Subs not used: Bridges, Clyde, Ledgister, Connolly, Meredith.

Attendance: 1,062.