WORCESTER City battled from start to finish as they deservedly saw off Boston United at St George’s Lane.

Danny Glover’s 30th-minute penalty and an own goal from sub Shane Clarke three minutes from time earned City the points and their first victory since New Year’s Day.

Carl Heeley’s team were made to scrap, literally on occasions, for their success as they proved too good for the play-off-chasing Pilgrims for the second time this season following their FA Cup triumph in September.

They were, though, forced to negotiate the last 10 minutes with 10 men after keeper Dean Coleman handled outside his area and was sent off.

Yet, even with a man advantage, Boston still couldn’t find a way through as City hustled and bustled, closed down and stood firm for their first clean sheet since January 3.

Defensively, Worcester were solid and the introduction of former Kidderminster Harriers player Gavin Hurren, signed from Redditch on Friday, in the holding role allowed Tom Thorley and Kevin O’Connor to roam free.

In particular, O’Connor was outstanding with a box-to-box performance that barely left a blade of grass uncovered.

Chances, however, were still at a premium in an untidy encounter as both sides jostled for position in blustery conditions.

Referee John Mayhew and his officials were kept busy as order threatened to break down on more than one occasion during a feisty first-half.

O’Connor and Boston’s Danny Sleath had their names taken in the 26th minute following a flare-up in the aftermath of the latter’s challenge on Matt Birley.

But City took the lead three minutes later. Thorley’s corner from the left looked to be heading straight in but for the intervention of Rory Coleman’s hand on the line.

A penalty was awarded but Coleman escaped punishment despite appearing to deny a clear goal-scoring opportunity.

Shaun Pearson was booked for dissent in the ensuing debate but Glover kept his nerve to send Dan Haystead the wrong way from 12 yards.

It was Glover’s 13th goal of the campaign and his second against the Pilgrims after he netted a last-gasp winner to dump them out of the FA Cup.

O’Connor and Thorley both had shots blocked as Worcester pressed for a second but it wasn’t long before another melee broke out — this time Birley and Boston skipper Lee Canoville being booked.

City’s determination and will to hold on to their lead continued after the break but they were unable to carve out much to worry Haystead.

Boston, aided by three substitutions, began to build the pressure but Coleman was well protected by stout defending and timely blocks.

He was, though, called on to save from Anthony Church on 73 minutes and was left motionless when sub Ryan Semple drilled an effort inches wide moments later.

The hosts threw on Marc McGregor for Birley in an effort to tighten their grip on the game but the real drama had yet to begin.

With 10 minutes left, Coleman raced out of his area to head clear but, instead, instinctively reached up and palmed the ball away to stop it reaching Spencer Weir-Daley.

Coleman, who slumped to the turf with his head in his hands, was sent off, forcing City to sacrifice Danks for sub keeper Richard Mace.

Sensing their moment, Boston turned the screw but the hosts, and Mace, held firm as the Lincolnshire side pressed.

But, in their quest for an equaliser, they were caught on the break and City wrapped up the points in style.

Glover set off down the right wing, got to the by-line and delivered a delightful cross that sub Clarke, under pressure from Thorley, could only turn past Haystead.