WORCESTER City let slip a 1-0 half-time lead to go down 3-1 at National League North outfit Leamington.

Captain Tyler Weir led a new-look side out at The Phillips 66 Community Stadium with many summer signings keen to impress in City's opening pre-season clash.

Among those was returning midfielder Matt Birley who opened the scoring in stunning style on 38 minutes.

His free-kick from distance proved too good for keeper Tony Breeden.

Both sides made changes at the break, but it was Leamington who started to exert pressure in the second period.

A familiar face to the travelling fans then got the hosts back on level terms as former City ace Junior English headed home.

Leamington went ahead on 82 minutes when Rob Thompson-Brown converted a penalty after Courtney Baker-Richardson was brought down in the box.

With a few minutes left, Tom Rankin scored the third to wrap up a convincing victory.

City visit Gornal Athletic tomorrow (7.45pm).

Worcester City starting XI: Gwynne; Weir, Albert, Khan, Griffiths; Birley, Hayward, Birch, J Smith; Hughes, Reynolds.

Subs: S Smith, Rich, Newman, Yeomans, Sinclair, Harris-James, Wright, Baldwin.