CAPTAIN Danny Jackman was “really proud” of Worcester City’s performance despite conceding moments after going ahead in a dramatic 2-2 draw with Darlington.

Jordan Murphy was almost the hero for third-from-bottom City on Saturday as he scored an 84th-minute equaliser before putting his team in front in stoppage-time.

But play-off chasing Darlington cruelly denied Worcester their first victory in Vanarama National League North since November as Harvey Saunders headed in Gary Brown’s cross.

Jackman said he was “disappointed” City failed to see out the remaining minutes and admitted they “switched off” after Murphy netted his second.

But after last Saturday’s demoralising 2-0 defeat at rock-bottom Altrincham Jackman said he was impressed with the way his team-mates responded.

“They were pretty low (this week) as it was a really bad result,” said the 34-year-old who is also assisting caretaker boss John Snape.

“But when you are down there and you get results like that there is only one way and that’s up - and that’s how we approached it.

“We are pleased with the reaction and on another day we would have perhaps held on for a win.”

City have struggled when falling behind this season and Jackman said he “feared the worst” after David Syers headed Darlington into the lead on 70 minutes.

“When you go a goal down against a team like Darlington and especially after what happened last week you fear for the worst,” Jackman said.

“But fair play to the lads, especially Jordan who came on and made a really positive difference, as they came back and could have won it.

“I am really proud of their reaction.”

After Murphy struck twice to turn the match on its head Saunders netted a last-gasp equaliser to extend City’s winless streak to 15 league matches.

“We are a little disappointed we didn’t manage to hold on,” Jackman said.

“I think we probably switched off. You are always most vulnerable when you have scored and that proved to be the case.

“But we got a point and from where we were last week that is an improvement. We got the reaction we wanted.”

City have closed the gap on relegation rivals Gainsborough Trinity to one point but a victory would have seen them climb out of the drop zone.

Although frustrated not to collect all three points Jackman admitted his side needed “more luck” to turn their fortunes around.

He felt Syers should have been sent off for tackling midfielder Ebby Nelson-Addy from behind in the second half.

“We need a little more luck,” Jackman said.

“The tackle on Ebby was a red for me. It was a bad decision but when you are down there those decisions go against you.”

Jackman is now hoping to build on that showing as they gear up for Saturday’s clash at 14th-placed Nuneaton Town (3pm).

“I think Chekaine (Steele) is struggling having come off at the end and we will see if we have got any other knocks or injuries,” he added.

“We will keep training light and bright on Tuesday and then work on possession and team shape on Thursday in preparation for Saturday.”