WORCESTER delivered a perfect birthday present for manager Mark Stanley with a 2-1 win at mid-table Old Silhillians in Warwick Printing Midland Division One.

Skipper Rob Riddell struck a late winner for Worcester, who maintained their unbeaten run and showed they are a tough nut to crack in this season’s competition.

Worcester started with a formation that had been working regularly with Riddell leading the side from the back and supported by vice-captain James Gerrish in goal.

It only took 11 minutes for Worcester to open the scoring through veteran marksman Jon Sprague.

Callum Stanley broke through the opposition’s midfield and slipped the ball through to Joe Schubert who was waiting at the top of the ‘D’.

He clipped the ball towards the bottom corner before Sprague dived in at the back post to deflect it into the roof of the net.

Worcester continued to dominate, although Old Sills created some chances. But the hosts were no match for Worcester’s man-of-the-match Gerrish, who made some top saves.

Old Sills drew level moments before half-time when a ball was struck into the ‘D’ from a free hit outside the 25.

A piece of miss control from an Old Sills forward led to the ball rolling into the bottom left corner of Worcester’s goal.

However, the Worcester boys continued to press until the half-time whistle.

The second-half proved to be anyone’s game with chances being created by both sides.

Tom Schubert and George Southall worked well for each other to win numerous short corners but the opportunities were not taken.

Old Sills found themselves driving into the Worcester ‘D’ but Gerrish did not let them get anywhere near the Worcester goal.

The game looked to be heading for a draw until Riddell fired in the winner with four minutes remaining.

David Westhead found Joe Schubert free inside the ‘D’ and he cleverly placed the ball on to a defender’s foot, winning what proved to be their final chance of the game.

Worcester set up one of their short corner routines and it was perfectly executed by captain Riddell.

With seconds to go, Old Sills managed to pick up a loose ball and drove into the ‘D’ before the umpire blew the final whistle.

Despite a drag-flick from the top of the 'D', the athletic Gerrish moved quickly on his feet and leapt across the goal to make a great save.