Worcester City 1 Tamworth 1

WITH no league win in almost three months and limited funds to turn things around, Worcester City might not to be an attractive proposition for many managers.

But if there is one thing the Vanarama National League North strugglers can use as a selling point it is veteran striker Lee Hughes.

That might sound slightly crazy given the 40-year-old’s dismal disciplinary record this season as he has just returned from a four-match ban.

But as he demonstrated against Tamworth on Saturday his ability to conjure up something special makes him a valuable asset to any club.

Back after completing his second lengthy suspension this term, Hughes went some way to atoning for his red card at Kidderminster Harriers on New Year’s Day with a stunning strike on 37 minutes.

Worcester’s leading goal-scorer found the top right-hand corner with a wonderful curling effort from 25 yards which was worthy of winning any match.

But sadly for 18th-placed City it was still not enough as a penalty from Danny Newton two minutes before the break denied them a much-needed victory.

The draw not only extends Worcester’s winless run to 11 league matches but also leaves them just three points above third-from-bottom Bradford Park Avenue who claimed a morale-boosting 2-1 triumph at Curzon Ashton.

However, considering the week City have had since Carl Heeley ended his seven-year reign as boss this was a creditable display.

John Snape, who was Heeley’s assistant, was given the task of picking the players up after their 3-0 thrashing at Gloucester City last weekend.

And with the help of Danny Jackman from the dugout and captain-for-the-day Hughes’ influence on the pitch the trio did a fine job in rallying their troops.

Worcester have played more than four hours of football since Colby Bishop scored their last goal in their 1-1 draw at Curzon Ashton last month.

But it was well worth the wait as Hughes’ swerving strike proved too good for Dan Jezeph.

The spectacular finish also sparked the match into life as Ethan Ross denied Ross Dyer with a one-handed save before Joe Clarke’s follow-up hit the post.

But Tamworth soon levelled as Graham Hutchison was adjudged to have hauled down Newton who then coolly dispatched the spot-kick, sending Ross the wrong way.

Despite the setback City made a positive start to the second period as they often broke into space only for poor passes to scupper their moves.

They were also missing good opportunities as Junior English was thwarted by Jezeph from close range after the goalkeeper fumbled Ebby Nelson-Addy’s shot before Tyler Weir fired over.

Fortunately for Worcester, Tamworth were just as wasteful as Newton twice went narrowly wide.

But the visitors had Jezeph to thank for ensuring they did not leave Bromsgrove empty-handed as he tipped over Chekaine Steele’s free-kick with five minutes to go.

Worcester were boosted by the appearance of winger Micah Evans off the bench following his long injury lay-off.

And they will have left-sided midfielder Cieron Keane back available after serving his suspension for their trip to Harrogate Town on Saturday (3pm).

But there is no doubt whoever takes over at the helm will face a real battle to avoid the drop if Hughes isn’t firing on all cylinders.