WORCESTER City finally found their scoring boots again but it wasn’t enough to claim all three points at Lowestoft Town.

After three straight defeats, City returned to scoring ways when Daniel Nti struck with a header midway through the second-half.

Worcester had enough chances to extend their advantage but they were left to rue these late on when Jake Reed pounced to rescue a point for the Trawlerboys in a 1-1 draw.

The drama wasn’t over though as City keeper Nathan Vaughan and Rossi Jarvis clashed during the celebrations, resulting in a 20-man melee and the pair were both shown red cards before referee Anthony Da Costa blew the final whistle.

Worcester were well worth a point, although they struggled to gain a foothold in the game during the first period.

Carl Heeley’s men started brightly when Tristian Dunkley, in for the suspended Sean Geddes, got the wrong side of the Lowestoft defence in the second minute, only to fire into the side-netting.

This was as good as it got for the visitors in the first period as Lowestoft, still in need of points to avoid relegation, piled on the pressure.

Blues striker Reed was inches away from Lee Smith’s centre in the sixth minute before the former Dagenham and Redbridge striker had a goalbound effort superbly blocked by Jacob Rowe.

The creative presence in the Lowestoft midfield of Robert Eagle was also causing Worcester problems. The former Norwich City midfielder linked well with Reed five minutes before half-time before testing the reflexes of Vaughan, who palmed wide.

However, the break interrupted any momentum Lowestoft had and Worcester seized the initiative in the second period.

City hit the front in the 68th minute when Vaughan’s free-kick from deep inside his own half was beautifully flighted for Nti to head home from 12 yards. Nti could have added a second just a minute later but nodded just over the bar from Joao Sousa’s cross.

Mike Symons was next to go close with a header that Jones got down well to, before the striker had a 20-yard effort tipped round the post.

Omar Sowunmi headed on to his own bar from Deeney’s corner before the sting in the tail.

A cheap free-kick conceded midway inside Worcester’s own half led to their downfall. Smith floated the ball into the visitors’ penalty area and, when Vaughan couldn’t claim, Reed was on hand to smash the ball home.

The home crowd’s relief was palpable but it wasn’t the end of the story. As Reed celebrated, Vaughan and Jarvis grappled on the floor resulting in players from both sides becoming involved.

Both players deservedly saw red and Worcester were left to rue a late lapse in concentration that had cost them two points.