Worcester City 2 Solihull Moors 2.

THE BEST years might be behind former Premier League strikers Lee Hughes and Deon Burton.

But as the two 39-year-olds proved against leaders Solihull Moors on Saturday, they can still have a telling impact on Worcester City’s fight for survival in Vanarama National League North.

When Andy Brown scored his second five minutes after the break, the writing appeared to be on the wall for City as Solihull looked well placed to record their 23rd league win of the season.

But Burton and Hughes, whose goals helped Derby County and West Bromwich Albion respectively avoid the dreaded drop 16 years ago, had other ideas.

Burton turned the tide when he volleyed home on 52 minutes before Hughes coolly dispatched the equaliser in the dying moments.

Worcester, who remain four points off the relegation area, have now drawn six of their last eight matches, but this will arguably be the most celebrated.

And with a must-win clash at second-from-bottom Hednesford Town today, this comeback could give them the lift in confidence needed to go on and secure their first victory since February 23.

Facing a side who had lost just five matches all season and held an 11-point gap at the summit was never going to be easy for Worcester.

But when the weather was also against them in the first half there was a feeling this was not going to be City’s day.

Keeper Calum Kitscha, particularly, had to battle against the elements as the strong wind and heavy rain made life increasingly difficult for him.

He did well to push away Darryl Knights’ shot only for the ball to fall to Brown to score and give Moors the lead on 13 minutes.

For the first time in a long while joint-managers Carl Heeley and Matt Gardiner chose to go with two up front as Kyle Perry – a spitting image of former City hitman Mike Symons – made his debut alongside Burton.

But they struggled to get involved in the opening period as Solihull pushed forward, with full back Michael Nottingham and winger Knights giving Connor Gater a tough time.

Chances fell to Brown, Ryan Beswick, Gareth Dean and Jack Bryne, but the visiting fans had to wait until the second half to see another goal.

Nottingham played a one-two with Akwasi Asante before firing in a low cross for Brown to finish from close range.

At this stage, Solihull looked odds on to claim maximum points and create more misery for City’s rain-soaked supporters.

But the home side rallied and hit straight back with a thumping strike from Burton after Moors failed to clear Perry’s cross.

Worcester were now firmly on the front foot as Shaun Donnellan and Dan Nti produced stunning efforts from range which were well-saved by Danny Lewis.

Hughes knocked Solihull out of the FA Cup in October with a late winner and he came off the bench to do the damage again.

With one minute of normal time remaining, Tom Sharpe flicked on Alex Gudger’s free-kick to Hughes who netted from six yards out.

Sam Minihan almost grabbed the winner with a spectacular long range shot before Gudger defended heroically at the death to secure the draw.