MANAGER Carl Heeley saluted the supporters who travelled to watch Worcester City in the first league match at their new temporary home in Bromsgrove.

A crowd of 658 witnessed Worcester concede a last-gasp goal in a 2-2 draw against Harrogate Town in an entertaining National League North clash at the Victoria Ground.

City have signed a two-year deal with Bromsgrove Sporting with an option to extend the agreement for a third term.

Worcester had been plying their trade at Kidderminster Harriers’ Aggborough since 2013 but turned down an option to extend their stay into a fourth season.

Chairman Anthony Hampson insisted Bromsgrove was the “best option” for the club while they continued to play away from Worcester.

Heeley said: “It’s a big challenge for Worcester fans to travel out of their own city for home matches but they do it and it was a very healthy crowd at the weekend.

“It was a great effort, a great atmosphere and an enjoyable afternoon.

“The players and I are thankful for their support and we want the fans to continue to do it because they will be massively important to us this season.”

Bromsgrove’s pitch has a noticeable slope at one end and City chose to play down the gradient in the opening 45 minutes against Harrogate.

And Heeley insisted the decision had been made by the players and new skipper Graham Hutchison.

“I don’t get involved in things like that,” said Heeley.

“I leave things like that to the skipper, the boys talked about it between themselves.

“You have to play both ways anyway and it was an even game which neither team dominated going up or down the slope.”