Worcester City 2 Gainsborough Trinity 2

HOW fortunate manager Carl Heeley must feel to have Lee Hughes in his Worcester City ranks.

Last season, the veteran striker’s goals were key to getting City out of trouble in Vanarama National League North.

And Heeley appears to be pinning his hopes on the 40-year-old again as he came to 10-man Worcester’s rescue with a second-half brace against Gainsborough Trinity.

City took to the field on Saturday languishing at the foot of the table and they looked set to stay there when the visitors opened up a 2-0 lead at half-time.

However, Hughes, who was back after serving a three-match ban, had other ideas as he inspired a thrilling fightback at the Victoria Ground.

Moments after the break, the ex-West Bromwich Albion and Coventry City frontman showed great anticipation to pounce on Matt Wilson’s back-pass before using all his experience to calmly slot the ball past Jonathan Hedge.

Worcester suffered a setback when Junior English was brandished a straight red card after going straight through the back of Jacob Hazel.

But Hughes’ head never dropped and he was in the right place at the right time – a trait which has seen him score so many goals throughout his career – to net the equaliser on 72 minutes.

It was a stunning display from Hughes, who later revealed he had not trained for two weeks due to a glute problem, and his double saw City move out of the relegation area.

However, if Heeley’s men are to stay clear of the drop zone it cannot depend on one man being available.

And Hughes’ two goals – making it five in five games – should not mask over what was a terrible defensive display in the first half.

City were boosted by the arrival of former West Brom and Leicester City defender James Chambers, who went straight into the starting line-up.

But the 35-year-old, who has not played a competitive match in over a year, was part of a disjointed back four.

Worcester started brightly but, with Chambers making his debut and English making an unfamiliar appearance at right back, they never look comfortable at the back.

Not for the first time this season, it was an individual mistake which was their undoing.

Richard Batchelor’s misplaced header fell into the path of Ashley Worsford, who went clear and slipped the ball underneath goalkeeper Ethan Ross.

Gainsborough then came to life as Darnelle Bailey-King struck the upright after a sublime turn and shot before defender Ioan Evans towered above Chambers to head in Matthew Thornhill’s corner on 38 minutes.

Chekaine Steele missed two great chances to score in the opening period but fortunately for Heeley he had Hughes to turn the match around.

Half-time replacements Ebby Nelson-Addy and Steven Craig also made a difference with the latter setting up Hughes’ second.

And Worcester looked the more likely to grab a winner late on despite having a player sent off for the fourth time this term.

But City’s waiting for their first victory continues as they host Alfreton Town on Tuesday (7.45pm).