WORCESTER City manager Carl Heeley praised his side’s character after an “ugly” 1-0 victory at a stubborn Stalybridge Celtic side.

Mike Symons’ 64th-minute goal stretched City’s unbeaten run to eight Conference North games with the hosts left to rue missed chances at a sodden Bower Fold.

Heeley said: “Stalybridge were desperate to get the game on as they thought we’d have a hangover from Wednesday’s FA Cup game, but it just goes to show what great character we have.

“The pitch was horrible. There was a lot of heavy rain and they did well to get the game on. We scrapped it out. It was an ugly win but a great three points.

“You’re not going to have first-class pitches and be able to knock it around and win the perfect way.

“You’ve got to come and do the ugly things, defend properly and clear your lines.”

The City boss made five enforced changes to the starting line-up that faced extra-time and penalties in Wednesday’s agonising FA Cup departure to Scunthorpe United.

Heeley added: “It’s never been in question the quality that we’ve got in the squad.

“We had to make changes, enforced due to little injuries and players being exhausted after the cup exertions, but the boys who came in showed what great lads they are.

“The boys want the lads who aren’t playing to push them for the shirt. It was massively important we had a positive response to the cup disappointment. They all put their bodies on the line and defended as a team.”