Monday, October 28, 2002

MISFIRING Worcester City failed to find the net for the fourth time in five games as they crashed out of the Dr Martens Cup last night.

Jason Ashby grabbed a breakaway goal for Halesowen Town to settle the tie but it was City's inability to create chances that proved costly.

Manager John Barton made six changes to the side that drew 0-0 at The Grove, including full debuts for Liam McDonald and Duncan Willetts, but despite pockets of good possession, Tim Clarke in the Halesowen goal was seldom troubled.

City assistant manager Mick Tuohy admitted his side had lost their way in front of goal.

"That's two games and I don't think Clarke has had to make three saves," he said.

"We are not creating chances and we have dried up in front of goal. On the positive side we are keeping possession of the ball better than any time I've been at the club, but we need to work on getting more goals or improve it by getting in other players.

"It's a big disappointment to go out because you don't enter cup competitions to get knocked out at the first hurdle."

Ashby's decisive strike came on the half-hour mark when he ran on to a long pass and caught goalkeeper Paul Wyatt off his line with a fine chip from 25 yards.

City's first-half efforts on goal amounted to a powerful McDonald header straight at Clarke and a Darren Middleton free-kick which flew high over the bar.

Dan Jones almost picked out Willetts with a long pass who went closer with a second-half snap shot.

In the second-half City's best efforts came from distance with Leon Jackson trying his luck with a cross-shot and a drive just wide of the post.

Mark Owen's introduction upped the tempo for City, but his attempted chip following a brilliant David Holmes run was plucked out of the air by Clarke.

Holmes rifled in a bullet drive that Clarke was relieved to gather at the second attempt but the more decisive goalmouth action was at the other end.

Wyatt twice denied Kirk Master and kept out a close range header from substitute Leroy May after Ross Collins powered in a header from a corner.

Worcester: Wyatt 7, Davies 6, Charlton 6, Heeley 5, Jones 8, Jackson 5, Carty 5, Willetts 5, McDonald 6 (Tomkins 75), Middleton 5 (Owen 61, 5), Holmes 7. Subs (not used): Holloway, Parker. Attendance: 651.