WORCESTER City recorded their second pre-season victory in a week against Dr Martens Western Division opposition last night when they beat Solihull Borough 2-1 at a rain-swept Damson Parkway.

City took the lead in the 18th minute when Mark Owen's glancing header from eight yards out looped over goalkeeper Hateley, from a Paul Carty free kick on the left hand edge of the box.

Worcester then produced a dominant spell of neat passing football, but failed to capitalise on their pressure with Darren Middleton bending a 20-yard effort just wide and Michael Blackwood screaming a 25-yard free- kick inches wide.

Solihull drew level in the 37th minute with their first serious attempt on goal. Chris Smith swept the ball home from close range following a right-wing Jason Smith cross.

In the second-half City again produced some decent football for a 20- minute spell in the middle of the half. John Snape was instrumental in most of City's possession.

In the 66th minute substitute Jamie Edwards shot on the turn was well blocked by Hateley from close range and two minutes later Owen's shot on the turn from the edge the box went narrowly wide.

Owen again shot narrowly wide in the 72nd minute before City scored their deserved winner four minutes later. Carl Heeley powerfully headed home a Jamie Edwards left-wing corner from 10 yards out.

An upbeat Worcester manager John Barton said afterwards: "I am pleased with the performance tonight and there have been a lot of plus points for us this week.

"We are starting to play some decent football and are building up nicely towards next week's opener against Hastings."

City: McDonnell, Davies (Jon Holloway 45), Carty, Heeley, Jones (Shail 45), Jackson (Edwards 57), Middleton, Snape, Owen, Webster (Willetts 65), Blackwood.