BOSS John Snape reckons the ugly elements of Worcester City’s 3-0 win over Highgate United deserved as much recognition as the fine team goals.

City kept alive their slim promotion hopes by ending robust United’s nine-match unbeaten run at the Victoria Ground on Saturday.

Each of the strikes were beautifully crafted but other than that it was a scrappy encounter in which the visitors sought to rile City.

“Highgate played on Thursday night and to be fair to them had changed a few,” said Snape.

“They caught us by surprise with Aaron Brown in an attacking position but to be fair to the back four and keeper we rode that out.

“In the first half we were guilty of not getting the ball to our two danger men Mat Birley and Alex Tomkinson.

“We had a chat about that at half-time but our key work was done in that first half.

"We had to stick in there and grind out a tough, physical battle against a good side.

“Highgate have an abundance of power and strength.

"They had a few injuries but it was all about us gaining maximum points to put on the pressure between now and the end of the season."

Wide men Birley and Tomkinson struck either side of Nick Turton's first City goal in a 21-minute blast in the second half.

“The ball in from Jamie Smith and the finish from Mat was sublime," Snape added.

"I was over the moon for Nick. He came in during a period of transition and his work-rate has been faultless.

“The biggest disappointment has been waiting for that first goal but hopefully that will give him the confidence ahead of the three remaining games.

“They were all team goals and everyone played their parts.

"In the build-up to the last goal, the movement from the front four was exceptional which created the opening.

“Alex just put it in the bottom corner.

"He is a bit of a talisman, we haven’t got the ball to him enough so that was pleasing.”

Promotion still looks a long shot with Snape keen to focus on City’s job rather than looking at other results.

“We have to gain as many points as we can and see where it takes us,” he added.

“You don’t have to be a Mastermind contestant to see how dearly the draws have cost us.

“If we keep clean sheets I expect us to beat anyone because I know we have goals in the side.

"They have dried up recently so to get three against a very good Highgate side was a massive boost for the lads."

On Saturday, City director Mark Wilcox declined to take part in a pre-arranged interview regarding the failure to agree terms for a non-disclosure agreement with Worcester City Supporters’ Trust.

The agreement would have allowed the trust’s appointed consultant, Nick Igoe of Supporters Direct, the chance to carry out an independent review of the club’s finances.

Chairman Anthony Hampson was not present on Saturday.