2006/7
Worcester City v Barrow - Friday 23rd March 2007
Barrow Feel The Heat
A week is said to be a long time in politics but six days was all it took to rejuvenate a Worcester City side that had been well beaten last weekend at Moor Green. It quickly became clear to the City faithful that this would be an altogether different performance from the previous one. City were quickly into their stride and more than matched their Cumbrian opponents in the first half hour. The improvements were visible all over the pitch and especially in midfield where the inclusion of Nick Colley and Tom Warner proved particularly effective.
Worcester took the lead just before half time with an goal that would not looked out of place in higher echelons of the Premiership. In one swift movement George Clegg turned on a sixpence and volleyed in an unstoppable shot from the edge of the penalty area. It was a stunning blow from which Barrow never recovered and after this they rarely threatened the City goal.
The second half was a one-sided affair as Barrow fell apart after a series of defence splitting moves cause confusion in their defence combined with an unfortunate injury to goalkeeper, Jamie Speare, and an appearance of ill-discipline. In truth they were a well-beaten outfit even without the sendings-off of Stuart Howson for a two-footed tackle and Darren Sheridan for a second yellow card. Andy Ireland looked a nervous replacement for the injured keeper but could not be blamed for either goal as he was let down by a badly tiring defence who had been worn down by the constant City pressure.
Nick Colley capped his performance with a well taken goal and there was also a goal for Mark Danks who strode through a static defence to score in some style.
Final score: Worcester City 3 Barrow 0.
Worcester City v Burton Albion – Saturday 13th January 2007
Burton Suffers Brewers' Droop
The biggest crowd of the season at St George’s Lane saw a rampant Worcester City dump their highflying Conference opponents, Burton Albion, out of this season’s FA Trophy.
There was no doubting that City were superior to their higher grade opponents in every department to the delight of most the 1,499 spectators.
City were in front as early as the third minute when they superbly turn defence into attack. Danny McDonnell cleared the ball up-field where Mark Danks neatly found George Clegg on the left wing. Clegg’s pinpoint cross was superbly headed home by defender Graham Ward.
City had plenty of opportunities to increase their lead with Burton’s veteran keeper Kevin Poole being called into action to make several fine saves.
City nearly gifted Burton the equaliser when a tame clearance provided an open goal opportunity but the poor shot was well wide and neatly summed up Burton’s attacking potential.
The second half continue in much the same vein as the first with City hitting the post for the second time in the game before deservedly doubling their lead mid way through the half. The goal came from a free kick that Des Lyttle lifted into the Burton box. Kevin Poole ran forward to try to clear the ball but failed and Mark Danks slotted the ball into the unguarded net.
Shaun Harrad scored a consolation goal as the game entered stoppage time but City held out to record a fine victory by 2 goals to 1.
The draw for the next round in on Monday.
Worcester City v Harrogate Town – 8th January 2007
Wilding to the Rescue
A well taken goal by Craig Wilding rescued a point for Worcester in a close fought encounter at St George’s Lane on Monday night.
A strong westerly wind made conditions all but impossible for the team defending the canal end of the ground. The visitors, who had first use of the wind, looked sharp with fluent attacks down both wings and several good opportunities were created and missed before a fierce drive by the impressive Tony Nicholson gave them the lead in the 18 th minute.
City tried hard to play attractive football but with even the strongest hit balls from defence barely making the half way line it was difficult to make headway and the nearest the home team came to an equaliser was a shot that was deflected onto the top of the crossbar for a corner.
On 33 minutes Workington went ahead with an opportunist goal. Several City defenders decided to hold a debate as to who was going to clear a hopeful long punt into the box and before a decision was made long-serving midfielder Matt Henney stole in to toe poke the ball into the net.
Workington’s attempts to wind down the clock did not endear themselves to the City crowd nor the referee who could be seen stopping his watch frequently. The result was a lengthy period of added time at the end of the first half during which time City poured forward and won a penalty when the lively Abderrahman Troare was felled. "Penalty King" George Clegg stepped up and hit the ball with such power that even though Alan Collin was able to knock the ball down to the ground it had such momentum that it carried on and flew into the roof of the net.
In the second half Worcester spent long periods camped in their opponents half of the field and one almost felt sorry for Danny McDonnell who had little to do in City’s goal. City always looked likely to level the score and once Mark Danks and Craig Wilding had replaced Des Lyttle and Abderrahman Troare Worcester had the key to unlock the defence. The equalising goal came from Craig Wilding who picked up the ball on an inside left channel before deftly rounding the goalkeeper and drilling the ball into the empty net.
Workington defended stoutly for the last ten minutes and might have grabbed an undeserved winner in a rare breakaway but their small and very enthusiastic group of supporters will consider their long journey to have been worthwhile as the men from Cumbria returned with a point.