WORCESTER City’s players were “walking wounded” after battling to a 1-1 draw at Curzon Ashton, according to manager Carl Heeley.

Goalkeeper Ethan Ross gave City a boost when he saved Paul Ennis’ 17th-minute penalty before striker Colby Bishop opened the scoring with a fine finish at the start of the second half.

But Bishop’s goal was quickly cancelled out by stand-in skipper Andy Gallinagh who turned Ryan Hall’s cross into his own net on 62 minutes.

The draw extended Worcester’s winless run in Vanarama National League North to eight matches as they remain in 17th position.

However, having played two games in three days, Heeley insisted it was a “great result” for his injury-hit side.

“We got a great goal as Bish did ever so well to get himself half-a-yard with great feet and struck it into the bottom corner,” said Heeley whose side drew 0-0 against FC United of Manchester at home on Saturday.

“It was a poor goal we conceded but it was tough as Curzon are a good footballing side and you could see that with their ball retention.

“We tried to press them high up the pitch and make them go long. They did that and it worked to a certain degree.

“But considering the amount of players we have got missing and with such a quick turnaround with the same 13 or 14 playing as well it was a great result for us.”

Captain Danny Jackman (back), winger Micah Evans (calf), defender James Chambers (hamstring), attacking midfielder Connor Hughes (knee) and centre-back Tom Sharpe (knee) were all ruled out through injury.

Striker Lee Hughes and the experienced Sam Oji were suspended.

“You can see how many players we have got missing,” continued Heeley who snapped up 18-year-old frontman Dan Turner on loan from Port Vale on the eve of the game at the Tameside Stadium.

“They were walking wounded in (the changing room). Andy Gallinagh was dead on his feet after two games in 48 hours.

“It has been tough on them but they never gave up and were resilient.

“Our two central defenders (Graham Hutchison and Jordan Keane) headed everything and were both magnificent.

“It was an acceptable result for us as it was important we did not get beaten.”

Worcester, who are four points above the drop zone, take on 18th-placed Alfreton Town at the Impact Arena on Saturday (3pm).