TWO goals apiece from Lee Hughes and Colby Bishop ended Worcester City’s long wait for a victory with a thrilling 5-3 win over Alfreton Town in National League North tonight.

After Sam Smith gave the visitors an early lead at the Victoria Ground, Hughes struck on 17 minutes before Junior English headed in a second.

Tom Allan levelled at the start of the second half but City responded in superb style.

Bishop came off the bench to score two in three minutes and Hughes curled home a fifth with 11 minutes left before Liam Hearn netted a late consolation.

With Danny Jackman, James Chambers and Tom Sharpe ruled out, manager Carl Heeley made several chances to the side that drew 2-2 against Gainsborough Trinity on Saturday.

Fit-again duo Graham Hutchison and Sam Oji were teamed up in central defence, while right-back Andy Gallinagh, midfielder Ebby Nelson-Addy and striker Steven Craig were also handed starts.

After just five minutes, Craig Westcarr’s effort rebounded into the path of the unmarked Smith, who applied a simple finish for Alfreton.

A superb challenge from Oji stopped Adam Priestley scoring from close range.

Despite their unconvincing start, Worcester got the equaliser on 17 minutes.

Following his brace against Gainsborough, Hughes collected Chekaine Steele’s through-ball before calmly netting his sixth goal of the campaign.

The goal galvanised the hosts as they pushed forward with purpose and the pressure told on 25 minutes. Cieron Keane sent in a good delivery from a corner for midfielder English, who powered home a header.

Alfreton did not stop asking questions, though, as Ethan Ross did well to palm away Allan’s shot but Worcester hung on to their slender advantage.

The visitors started the second period on the front foot as Andrew Monkhouse headed over after Ross flapped at a corner.

Shortly after Steele’s thumping free-kick was saved by Fabian Spiess, Alfreton levelled.

Todd Jordan launched the ball to the back post for left-back Allan to send a looping header over Ross.

Replacement Paul Clayton was then presented with a great chance after Monkhouse poked the ball through to him but he pulled his shot wide.

The crucial moment came on 67 minutes when Heeley threw on Bishop as the young striker made a telling impact.

Moments after coming on, Steele found Bishop, who got the ball out of his feet and slotted past Spiess to give City the lead.

The youngster made it 4-2 as he carved out some space before finding the bottom corner with a powerful strike.

Hughes then curled the ball home from the edge of the area on 79 minutes for City’s fifth goal.

Hearn headed in a third for Alfreton from close range after Oji failed to clear.

City (4-4-2): Ross; Gallinagh, Hutchison, Oji, Weir; Steele, English, Nelson-Addy, Keane; Hughes (Murphy 81), Craig (Bishop 67). Subs not used: Draper, Batchelor, Fitzpatrick.

Attendance: 445.

Man of the match: Junior English.