FINALLY, the bragging rights returned to Worcester – and the City faithful will no doubt revel in this late 1-0 win over their historic rivals.

Over the past four years, Gloucester have dominated the Severn Derby as they inflicted seven straight defeats on sorry City.

But, with three minutes left on Saturday, that wretched record was put to bed when Deon Burton headed home Sam Minihan’s cross, sending the away fans into jubilation.

The post-Christmas fixture perhaps lacked the feistiness and passion many of the previous 99 encounters have exuded.

But the 100th meeting between the two sides still ended with a seemingly customary red card as Joe Parker was given his marching orders following a reckless challenge on Connor Gater.

Having never won at Whaddon Road, where Gloucester have been based for the past five years, the omens did not look good for Worcester, who last tasted success against their local rivals on Boxing Day 2011.

But, boosted by the return of centre-back Wayne Thomas and goalkeeper Nathan Vaughan, City looked ready to stop the rot.

They also had a pacey winger in electrifying form as Tristian Dunkley showed Spencer Hamilton a clean pair of heels on more than one occasion.

He was part of a dangerous attacking midfield trio, including Daniel Nti and Ebby Nelson-Addy, who was relishing his number 10 role.

But they were all guilty of lacking composure in the final third as Nelson-Addy fired straight at Jas Singh after his first effort was blocked.

Lee Hughes also failed to trouble the keeper as his shot from the edge of the area was comfortably gathered before flashing the ball across the six-yard area moments later.

City’s defence was hardly tested but it suffered a blow just before the break when Thomas hobbled off with a hamstring problem shortly after colliding into the advertising hoardings.

Kieran Morris did a decent job when he came on but the loss of Thomas did give Gloucester a confidence boost.

And they almost took the lead as a goalmouth scramble resulted in Nti having to clear the ball off his line.

So when Tom Sharpe became the next casualty with a calf strain, it did not seem long before the hosts would hit the back of the net.

But Worcester’s brave decision to put Ellis Deeney at centre-half alongside Morris and send Burton up front to partner Hughes paid off.

It did not go without its shaky moments, though, as Joe Hanks got the better of Deeney before sprinting into the area but his shot was saved at the near post by Vaughan.

City’s cause was also helped when Parker was sent off with 10 minutes to go.

But the visitors still had to finish the job off and, thanks to a fine cross from Minihan and a firm header from Burton, that mission was finally accomplished.