Brackley Town 0 Worcester City 2.

EBBY Nelson-Addy struggled to recall the last time he scored in a competitive game. He should have no problem remembering his latest effort though – a goal of the season contender that lit up a dismal afternoon.

The appalling conditions looked like being the only winner on a day when chances were in short supply.

But then, on the hour, the former Villa trainee who was making his second City debut following a loan deal with Hartlepool United, gave Worcester the lead with a goal to dazzle and delight.

After a quick exchange inside his own area, the midfielder jinked his way past four Brackley defenders before calmly lifting the ball over keeper Sam Hornby.

Tyler Weir made the tie safe a minute from the end of normal time but it was Nelson-Addy’s wonder goal that will be remembered.

“Ebby’s picked the ball up 50 or 60 yards from goal,” joint boss Carl Heeley said. “He’s a totally different player to Sean Geddes in that he gives us that energy and driving force rather than the silky skills.

“We’re delighted to have him for a month and he scored a great goal.”

City opted to play into the gale force wind in the first half, confident that their defence would keep out a Brackley side who ran out 2-0 winners when the sides met at St James Park back in August.

And the backfour didn’t disappoint with keeper Nathan Vaughan untested apart from a handful of crosses from impressive midfielder Glenn Walker.

David Moyo did loop a header over the crossbar but Brackley had to wait until the second half before Steve Diggin’s 58th minute header provided them with their only on target effort of the game.

In contrast on loan Hornby, who learnt his craft at Redditch United before being snapped up by current club Burton Albion, had to make two decent saves to keep the visitors out.

On ten minutes Ashley Vincent’s shot from wide on the left had to be tipped over the crossbar and then Dan Nti was thwarted after he had nipped in between two Brackley defenders.

With the conditions worsening it needed something special to lift the gloom and Nelson-Addy provided it with a goal that allowed City the opportunity to dominate the proceedings.

Forced to search for an equaliser, substitute Tom Winters hit the City woodwork 12 minutes from the end but more impressive work from Worcester’s defence ensured there was no way through.

Alex Gudger relished the challenge and Sam Minihan’s pace provided some useful cover.

At the other end, Lee Hughes replaced Deon Burton midway through the half and uncharacteristically miscued an effort wide after Ellis Deeney had picked out the veteran striker in front of goal.

But the visitors did double their tally on 89 minutes with Deeney again involved, threading the ball into Weir’s path who made no mistake from just inside the area.

It’s 12 months since City last won three games in a row without the need for penalties and on this display they will be confident of making it four on the spin at Tamworth on Saturday.