MANAGER Carl Heeley was left purring over Worcester City’s “exhilarating” second-half display as they thumped Stalybridge Celtic 4-0 at Bromsgrove’s Victoria Ground.

Ebby Nelson-Addy broke the deadlock on 44 minutes after being handed what City's boss described as a “gift” following a disappointing opening period.

However, after Stalybridge striker Daniel Wilkins struck the post at the start of the second period, Heeley believes his side became the “dominant force” as goals from Lee Hughes, Colby Bishop and Cieron Keane saw Worcester romp to victory.

“We played against a big, strong and physical side who were very direct and our back four and (goalkeeper) Ryan Boot were outstanding,” said Heeley, whose side climbed four places to 12th in Vanarama National League North.

“But we didn’t stop the source, so at half-time we spoke about being the dominant force, getting on the front foot and getting closer to people and we did that.

“We got a bit of a gift with a very sloppy goal and I am sure the Stalybridge guys will not be happy with that.

“But it gave us something to hang on to and, as the game moved on in the second half, they had to come out and it left gaps.

“I thought that’s where we were very clinical and at times we were exhilarating with our passing and movement.”

After Hughes made it 2-0 on the hour mark, Bishop volleyed home Joe Fitzpatrick's delightful delivery three minutes from time before Keane finished off a stunning team move at the death.

Heeley continued: “Young Joe is a great footballer and it’s like a crime for him to give the ball away.

“But sometimes it's just about playing that percentage ball and getting on the front foot and the third goal came from him.

“He has pushed tight, won the second ball and then produced a great little diagonal pass to Bishop, who stuck it away.

“For the fourth one, Chekaine Steele probably could have taken the chance himself but unselfishly he has squared it to Cieron, who thundered it into the bottom corner.

“We scored some great goals and probably should have had a few more but I am delighted to win the game and comfortably in the end.”

With the slope in their favour after the break, Heeley admitted the lopsided pitch did have a factor but he was also keen to highlight the “bravery” his side showed in the second period.

“When you haven’t got good possession of the ball, there is a natural tendency to drop off, be deep and deny the team space in behind,” Heeley added.

“The brave thing to do is to go and get on the front foot and stop the source.

“It’s difficult kicking up the slope and, as you saw, they struggled with it in the second half and that’s what we tried to stress at half-time.

“So we got 20 yards higher up the pitch, put them under pressure and started winning the ball in the middle third and that’s why we scored four goals.”