WORCESTER City manager Carl Heeley claims AFC Telford United have become favourites in their “nip-and-tuck” FA Cup second qualifying round tie.

But he believes that could work in Worcester’s favour as they aim to win the replay at the New Bucks Head on Tuesday (7.45pm).

City were left to settle for a 0-0 draw at the Victoria Ground on Saturday after missing numerous opportunities to secure victory over their Vanarama National League North rivals.

Heeley was disappointed his side failed to beat inspired goalkeeper James Montgomery, but he refused to get down about their chances of progressing.

“We knew it was going to be a tight game and we knew it was going to be tough and that’s exactly how it has panned out,” he said.

“The positives are we are still in the competition, but the boots are on the other foot now as Telford become favourites.

“They should go through as they have got the home advantage, but hopefully that will play into our hands.”

Worcester took to the field on the back of three successive victories and with Lee Hughes returning to the side they were confident of extending their winning run.

But the 40-year-old striker failed to convert four chances to break the deadlock before Montgomery pulled off a superb save to deny Colby Bishop in injury-time. “When you have scored 10 goals in the last three games, you are going to draw a blank sometimes. That’s football,” Heeley said.

“But we are not despondent.

“We probably should have won the game based on chances, but we have not.”

Telford had more of the ball in the second period, but goalkeeper Ryan Boot was only forced into one meaningful save as he parried Connor McCarthy’s shot.

Right-back Andy Gallinagh also played a starring role alongside Tom Sharpe, Sam Oji and Tyler Weir as City clinched their third successive clean sheet.

“In comparison to the chances we had it was bread and butter for Booty - I would expect him to save that,” Heeley said.

“I thought Andy was steady. He’s a seven out of 10 every week and never lets you down.

“He does things simply and players like that who are consistent are worth their weight in gold.”

City’s boss continued: “Apart from a 25-minute spell at the start of the second half, I thought we played reasonably well.

“Both teams want to go through and it was always going to be a nip-and-tuck game.

“It was a tough draw for both clubs and there was nothing in it, so we have got to try and improve that slightly and go again.

“But we are still in the draw and that was the aim at 3pm.”