MANAGER Carl Heeley believes Worcester City are “getting back into the swing of things” after a second half stunner from Jordan Wilson clinched a 1-1 draw at Stratford Town on Tuesday night.

City, who were playing only their second match of pre-season, fell behind on 24 minutes when Trey Braithwaite broke through and slotted the ball home.

Ex-Alfreton Town goalkeeper Nick Draper was given the number one jersey and he had a busy evening as he denied Simeon Tulloch from point blank range and tipped off Jarrell Hylton’s audacious lob.

But Worcester salvaged a draw when trialist Wilson, who was playing for Shrewsbury Town’s youth team last season, found the top corner with a sublime 25-yard strike on 74 minutes.

Heeley said he was pleased with the way his players responded in the second period after a “lethargic” start to proceedings.

“It was a good work out,” said Heeley, whose side defeated Stourport Swifts 1-0 last Saturday.

“We were a bit sloppy in the first half as we didn’t get close them down enough.

“But for the first 25 minutes of the second half we really stepped it up and did really well.

“Although it was very lethargic and there was no zip and not much threat from us, that changed in the second half and it was a much improved performance.

“I think you can see the players are getting fitter and getting back into the swing of things.

“But I was quite impressed with Stratford. They were a good, tidy side, so it was a competitive game and a good work out for both sides.”

Former Walsall, West Bromwich Albion and Leicester City defender James Chambers, who retired from professional football in 2015, featured for Worcester.

Experienced full-back Andy Gallinagh, midfielder Brad Williams and forward Chekaine Steele made their second appearances, while winger Matt Birley returned to the club.

City take on Aston Villa’s first team at Stourport on Saturday and Heeley says he will continue to look at his trialists.

“Pre-season is about progression,” he said.

“Everybody got 45 minutes on Saturday, so I tried to push some a little bit further on Tuesday and get more minutes under their belts.

“So we will try to do the same again on Saturday.”