Wednesday, August 21, 2002

A GRITTY display earned Worcester City a point at Tiverton Town last night and the plaudits of manager John Barton.

The St George's Lane club forged a 0-0 draw in a fiercely contested match, emerging unscathed despite weathering periods of sustained pressure.

It wasn't a night for the faint-hearted and at the back Mark Shail and Carl Heeley were colossal, particularly in the second half, as a fast, lively and aggressive Tiverton, searched for the breakthrough.

Passions ran high throughout and an incensed Tiverton boss Martyn Rogers was banished to the stand after just 28 minutes.

The home side, touted as serious Dr Martens Premier Division title contenders, tested Barton's plea for a tighter defensive display to the limit but his side passed the examination with flying colours.

"I asked for a ruthless streak and I got exactly the response I was looking for," said Barton. "It has given us a lot of satisfaction because it is the kind of performance that we didn't get last season.

"Tiverton are a very useful side and you are not going to come here without being tested but we had 60 per cent of the play, frustrated them and looked like we might get a goal ourselves.

"Already we have seen the benefits of some of the players we have brought into the club with more control in the games. It's only two games but the initial signs are positive."

The match started at 100mph and barely slowed for the rest of the evening but City created some half-chances with Darren Middleton's ability to run at Tiverton causing problems.

Phil Everett shot over and Scott Rogers stung Danny McDonnell's finger-tips for Tiverton but City edged the first half and could have taken the lead three minutes before the break. Mark Owen, back in the starting line-up in place of the ill Adam Webster, ghosted in at the back post but volleyed Middleton's reverse ball over the bar.

After the interval John Snape tried a spectacular 30-yarder but it was miraculous defending from McDonnell, Shail and Heeley in the 68th minute that kept City in the match, as the trio repelled successive efforts on goal including a goalline clearance from Heeley.

It remained edge of the seat stuff for the rest of the game but City held firm and David Foy spurned a great opportunity in the 73rd minute when he curled a 20-yard free kick high over the bar.

Worcester: McDonnell 8, Holloway 7, Carty 8, Heeley 9, Shail 8, Snape 7, Foy 6, Lyons 8, Owen 6, Middleton 8, Blackwood 6 (Jackson 90). Subs not used: Jones, Davies, Willetts, Wyatt.

Bookings: Holloway, Middleton.

Attendance: 714.