CARL Heeley will be thanking his lucky stars he doesn't have to face the pace of Jason Rob-erts week in, week out.

The West Bromwich Albion striker was in irresistible form at St George's Lane last night to inspire the Baggies to a 3-2 victory against Wor-cester City.

Such pace is rare at any level but in the shape of Roberts it was simply devastating, as he set up Kelly Fredrickson to cancel out Adam Wilde's fifth minute opener in the 20th minute before putting them 3-1 up either side of the break.

But while Baggies' fans drooled over Roberts's talent, City also had plenty to cheer about as well, not least with another lively display by strikers Mark Owen and new signing Leon Kelly, who were both brought on as second-half subs.

Owen struck the post twice before brushing aside the disappointment of a missed penalty to head home an Allan Davies cross in the 80th minute.

Kelly is still waiting for his first goal in City's colours but came close to breaking his duck in the 61st minute with a superb turn and shot, well saved by Daniel Crane.

Trialist defender Jim Rodwell demonstrated he would be an asset if John Barton can persuade him to sign, but even if he can't there were still plenty of plusses for the City manager to mull over.

"There were some encouraging signs and Albion were not a bad side, with plenty of pace," said Barton.

"In terms of match practice and fitness they are ahead of us and the goals either side of the break knocked us back, but we were in with a chance of getting something from the game and came strong in the last 20 minutes.

"I think we saw a revitalised Mark Owen and I was pleased for him in that respect and pleased for myself because it's hotted up competition for places.

"With Leon Kelly I think not too many centre-halves are going to get an easy time with him. He chases down lost causes, puts people under pressure and is a handful."

One area Barton will be looking to improve is his side's ability to retain possession and cut out silly errors which saw them give the ball away carelessly.

"Sometimes our possession changed hands alarmingly easily and needlessly which as a result left us with more chasing to do," added Barton.