AS Worcester City ran down the clock at Aggborough, their jubilant fans took pleasure in cheering every pass.

After back-to-back home defeats, Worcester supporters would have looked on fixtures against promotion-chasers AFC Fylde and North Ferriby United with trepidation.

But two weeks later the City faithful were revelling in another stunning success as their confidence-boosted side claimed a dominant 2-0 victory.

Shaun Donnellan deservedly took the plaudits as the young midfielder sent Worcester on their way with two goals inside the opening 25 minutes.

But it was City’s defence who were the foundation to the victory.

With centre-back pairing Tom Sharpe and Wayne Thomas back in the side and experienced goalkeeper Nathan Vaughan returning from suspension, they nullified the visitors’ threats.

Second-placed North Ferriby have scored more goals than any other side in Vanarama National League North this season with towering striker Tom Denton their biggest weapon.

But they failed to fashion a shot on target in the first half as Sharpe and Thomas put their bodies on the line, while full-backs Sam Minihan and Alex Gudger did well to stop crosses coming into the box.

Donnellan had been part of Carl Heeley and Matt Gardiner’s defensive plans but since being moved into midfield the 18-year-old has come of age.

And after just three minutes the West Bromwich Albion loanee gave his side the lead when his deflected effort found the bottom corner. The tough-tackling Donnellan showed great energy to get up and down the field.

And he found himself in the right place at the right time again to put City 2-0 in front as he stabbed the ball home from close range.

Jordan Murphy was the architect for both goals as he turned right-back Ben Middleton inside and out with his neat footwork.

Playing alongside his fellow Walsall forward Amadou Bakayoko, the duo’s movement gave the East Riding of Yorkshire outfit plenty of problems.

Midfielder Connor Gater also played his part in City’s attacking endeavour, while Daniel Nti had the bit between his teeth after the break and was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet.

Just as the winger was about to wheel away in delight his shot cannoned off the inside of the post and somehow bounced clear.

The hosts simply refused to take their foot off the gas and had numerous chances to put the match of out sight.

But keeper Adam Nicklin kept North Ferriby in the contest as he denied Bakayoko with a superb one-handed stop before thwarting substitute Lee Hughes late on.

Mark Gray came close for the away side as his header hit the upright but other than that Worcester rarely looked troubled.

And they saw out the game in fine style when they put together a delightful passing move, which was enjoyed by the home fans.