WORCESTER City’s eventful week continued after a car crash ruled out two of their squad prior to a 1-1 draw with in-form Sporting Khalsa.

A crash on the M5 while travelling to Willenhall ruled out central midfielder Nathan Hayward and full-back Jamie Smith from the Midland League Premier Division clash.

But the return of Tyler Weir from Hednesford Town gave City a boost and they went into an early lead courtesy of Mark Smith’s header.

Khalsa, who had won their last six league games, responded before the break through David Meese's shot and neither team could snatch a winner.

“It was a bit of adversity before we started and a change of the side but we got off to a good start,” said joint manager John Snape.

“Our work-rate in the first 10 to 15 minutes was good enough to stifle them and I was a little disappointed once we got the goal that we stopped a bit and didn’t get the ball out wide.

“In the second half we were guilty of not passing the ball and got into a direct route which we haven’t before but we gritted our teeth.

“Overall a point with what we have had to deal with is still a bit disappointing because in the second half we haven’t played and that’s something I want to make sure we do.

“Tyler Weir has returned which is a massive bonus for us and he will hopefully stay with us going forward.

“We left on very good terms. There was a bit of (Twitter) banter between him and (Brad) Birch in the week which is something I will be addressing.

“They are best mates and it’s been blown out of proportion. They are pals and travel together.”

City got off to the perfect start taking the lead within four minutes when Mark Smith rose highest to head home a corner.

The hosts were almost handed a leveller four minutes later when Matt Gwynne came rushing out of his goal and kicked against striker Rikardo Reid but was fortunate the deflection looped into his hands.

Khalsa should have levelled on 30 minutes when a long punt forward fell inside the box for Marvin Nisbett but he fired wide from close range.

City had openings with Aaron Griffiths and Josh Sarmento threading dangerous balls into the box to no avail.

Gwynne redeemed himself with a fine save from Reid who was through on goal. Then on the stroke of half-time Meese levelled after the Worcester keeper had initially palmed a free-kick away.

The young keeper kept the hosts at bay again in the second half, using his foot to deny Kyle Brady before denying the striker again moments later as the game ended even.

City said Hayward and Smith were unharmed in the crash.

City: Gwynne, Weir, Griffiths, Albert, Smith, Forsyth, Birley (Hughes 58), Sarmento, Reynolds, Tomkinson (Baldwin 53). Subs not used: Fishwick, Chiwara, Dayus.