MANAGER Carl Heeley described Worcester City’s 2-1 defeat of Stalybridge Celtic as a “huge” win for the club.
Goals from Daniel Nti and substitute Aaron Williams lifted the Blue and Whites to 15th in the Skrill North table and seven points above Celtic.
“It was a huge win for us,” Heeley said. “It was jittery for both sides with a lot to play for and it was a massive game.
“We started really well, looked a lot stronger and that we could cause them problems but we gave away a couple of sloppy fouls.
“We just felt at half-time that we had got a lot more to give and our final ball into the box could have been better. We knew if we improved balls into the box in the second-half we’d go and win the game and Steven Leslie knocked a great ball in for Aaron Williams for the winning goal.”
Heeley also praised the impact of debutant Wayne Thomas in the centre of City’s defence.
“He’s a proper centre-half, an absolute man mountain and won every ball,” the Worcester boss said.
“He’s experienced and from the first minute he came into the changing room there was an aura and presence about him and the back four looked solid.
“I’m thankful I’m not one of their two forwards because he absolutely bashed them both and alongside Graham (Hutchison), I thought they were magnificent.”
Striker Ethan Moore was replaced by Aaron Farrell 17 minutes from time and walked straight down the tunnel to the changing rooms.
But Heeley said: “If they’re not disappointed then do they really want to be here? So that’s a good sign.
“But what I will say is when you’re substituted, have some respect for me and your team-mates by coming to sit on the bench and cheer the team on.
“To be fair, he came back and did that so I don’t have an issue whatsoever with that.”