Worcester learn lessons of early-season draw (From Worcester News)

Worcester learn lessons of early-season draw

1:00pm Monday 17th December 2012 in Sport By Steve Carley, @stevecarleyWN

WORCESTER City refused to let a lead slip away this time as they beat nine-man Bradford Park Avenue 2-0 at St George’s Lane.

The much-needed Blue Square Bet North success was achieved through strikes from centre-half Jacob Rowe and winger Greg Mills.

City are now back to fifth in Blue Square Bet North after ending a run of five fixtures without a victory.

Assistant boss Matt Gardiner was pleased with the way Worcester protected their two-goal lead having drawn 2-2 from the same position in Yorkshire on the opening day of the season.

“We learned from the first Bradford game,” he said. “The guys have played the game out, done the professional thing, kept the ball and made sure the opposition haven’t had any opportunities.

“When you’re 2-0 up against nine men you have to do those things because, one little lapse in concentration, they can nick a goal and you are struggling for the last 10 minutes. We didn’t do that.”

Gardiner added: “When Bradford had their little period in the first-half with a lot of corners and pressure we defended it well, which we haven’t been doing, so I am really pleased with that off-the-ball side of our game.”