MANAGER Carl Heeley believes there is a bright future for Worcester City with the academy players coming through.

Teenager Joao Sousa scored a left-footed scorcher in the 4-1 Conference North victory over Hyde to open his account for City.

Left-back Jamie Smith and midfielder Dean Waldron, who are also part of Mark Owen’s academy based at the Heart of Worcestershire College, also appeared as second-half substitutes at Aggborough.

Heeley said: “It’s positive for the future that at the end we had Jamie, Joao and Dean on the pitch, who have all come through the academy set-up. We’re starting to reap the benefits of four years of hard work and patience.

“Joao scored as good a goal as you’re ever going to see. He’s been at the college now for three years, he’s technically very good but his awareness and work-rate off the ball was where he needed to improve.

“He’s done that and he gives us energy. Anybody who strikes a ball like that into the top corner has good ability. It’s his first goal for us and I’m delighted for him.”

Daniel Nti also scored a second-half brace and Mike Symons bagged his 10th goal of the season.

Heeley said: “Symo works hard but he should score more goals, that’s his Achilles heel. He’s been at this club and scored 20 goals in a season so he’s capable of it.

“For the size of the lad, he can be unplayable but it’s nice to see him get another goal and hopefully he can get a few more before the end of the season. When you play sides that have struggled all season, it’s about taking your chances.

“They’re not down there by fluke at this stage. We knew, if we put balls in good areas, we would create opportunities and it was just about being ruthless and taking them.

“We spoke before the game about using our physical presence and dominating in both penalty areas against a young side.”