MANAGER Carl Heeley believes Worcester City will only get better as the season unfolds following their 2-2 draw with Stalybridge Celtic at Aggborough.

Twice City came from behind through Nick Wright and, despite two defensive errors that let Celtic in, Heeley was happy with his side in their Conference North opener.

“I think we’ve got the makings of a good side and I think they’ll get better and better,” he said.

“We’ve got a strong squad and they did well on Saturday.

“You can always improve and that was the first competitive game they’ve had together against a side who I thought have improved dramatically from last season. Stalybridge will be there or thereabouts.”

The Blue and Whites boss continued: “We’re disappointed with the goals we conceded. I would like to see the first one again because it was a close call whether it was offside or not but that’s football.

“The gaps were too big for both goals in exactly the same position and I think we could have dealt with it better.

“They’re part-time lads and the best players in the world make mistakes. We can’t be perfect, we’re going to concede sloppy goals but the pleasing thing was how we kept our composure and came from behind.

“We got something from the game and at the end Stalybridge were definitely clinging on and I think they’ll be really satisfied with a point.

“Against a full-time team I thought we looked fitter and stronger in the last 20 minutes and created more than enough chances to win the game.

“Overall, we didn’t get beaten and it’s a point more than we had this time last season so that’s a positive.”

On Wright’s debut double, Heeley said: “If you look back to last season, how many times did we have the ball 10 yards from goal and fail to score?

“He never looked like missing and I think as his match fitness comes he’ll be a big player for us.”

He added: “They all did really well. I was pleased with everybody.

“Connor Gater has stepped up several leagues but you don’t play for England schoolboys without having lots of ability and he’s one of those lads who always finds himself a bit of space on the ball and does the simple things.

“Tristan Dunkley and Daniel Udoh both looked a threat and they’ll improve.”