Hinckley 3 City 3

With City heading for defeat after throwing away a two-goal lead to trail 3-2, Smith powered home a header from George Clegg's corner with the last touch of the game.

It was the second time in a fortnight Smith had come to Worcester's rescue following his last-gasp winner in the derby at Redditch United.

But his latest effort could prove even more important in City's continued quest for a Nationwide North play-off place as it stopped Hinckley taking three points and pulling further clear in the table.

Andy Preece's side, which featured Chris Cornes in for the suspended Shaun Findlay, stormed into a two-goal lead inside eight minutes.

Craig Wilding pounced to put the visitors ahead with just 90 seconds on the clock when he scrambled home Cornes' right-wing corner.

Another set-piece brought the second six minutes later.

Dennis Pearce sent in a free-kick from deep, Smith controlled it and played the ball to Justin Thompson who fired into the bottom corner.

But that was as much as City could muster until half-time as Hinckley woke up and dominated the rest of the half.

Dean Thomas' men attacked with confidence and were unfortunate not to be at least on level terms going into the break.

Following a sustained period of pressure, the hosts got back into the game when Owen Story crossed from the right and Leon Jackson powered a fine header beyond the reach of Danny McDonnell.

Jermaine Palmer had an effort ruled out for offside before Jackson sent shots wide and over in a four-minute spell.

City began the second-half with more purpose but Hinckley got back on level terms 10 minutes after the re-start.

Despite a clear handball from Tony Butler in the build-up, the visitors were allowed to play on and eventually sent in a cross which Chris Nurse headed beyond McDonnell.

By now the game was really opening up but was spoiled by the pettiness of referee Nigel Smith.

Although right to speak to an incensed Preece just past the hour, he delayed Shabir Khan returning to the field for a good minute following a change of shirt.

He also showed yellow cards to Khan and Thompson as well as Hinckley substitute Stuart Storer.

Hinckley went into the lead when substitute Adam Fry let fly from 30 yards and his shot went in off the far post.

City pressed with the clock ticking down and, once Wilding had a shot saved by Sean Bowles, they seemed to be out of luck.

But Pearce's free-kick was cleared behind after hitting the post and Smith met the resulting corner to snatch a draw.

City: McDonnell, Ward, Khan, Smith, Thompson, Lyttle, Pearce, Cornes (Colley 69), Webster, Wilding, Clegg. Subs not used: Warmer, Danks, Walker, Hodnett.

Attendance: 478.