WORCESTER City “competed” and “passed well” in a hard-fought 2-1 win over Evesham United at the Jubilee Stadium, according to joint manager Carl Heeley.

Tristian Dunkley struck City’s winner with 10 minutes remaining after Sean Geddes cancelled out an early opener from Evesham’s Ashley Edenborough.

The Robins had Marcus Jackson red-carded in the second-half after a tussle with City`s Darren Campion.

City’s win set up a showdown with Redditch United at Aggborough on Saturday in the Worcestershire FA Senior Cup final (3pm).

“Local derbies are always competitive and quite a few of the Evesham players have been at City,” said Heeley.

“The grass was long and there were lots of challenges flying in but we competed and passed the ball well.

“I was disappointed with the goal we conceded as it was a bit sloppy and our finishing could have been better.

“Tristian came off the bench and won the game for us. We created a number of other opportunities.

“There was a lot of energy and the important thing was to get through.”

Heeley thought Jackson’s dismissal was an unfortunate moment in the tie.

He said: “I know the lad from Evesham well and that incident was not in his character.

There was some pushing and shoving before players ran in to try to split it up.

“It was just unfortunate somebody was sent off for something that happened in the heat of the moment. It was a bit of handbags.”

Sam Minihan (tight hamstring), Connor Gater (ill), Nathan Vaughan (work) and Danny Jackman (holiday) were all missing for City.

Ex-Hereford United keeper Daniel Lloyd-Weston played 90 minutes.

City visit Midland League Division Two outfit Droitwich Spa tonight in a friendly at King George Playing Fields (7.15pm).

Dean Waldron and Jamie Smith will play for City alongside a number of youth players.

Heeley added: “It’s a good chance for the under 18s to get a taste of men’s football.

“John Snape will be taking the team and any player who got minutes against Evesham will not be involved.”