Worcester City (4-3-3)

7 Vaughan – had the extra responsibility of captaining the side and, despite conceding three goals, did a fine job in between the sticks.

7 Minihan – a solid all-round performance from the right-back, who attacked aggressively in the first half and defended diligently in the second period.

6 Thomas – returning from a five-week injury lay-off, the centre-back grew into the game but his failure to head away a cross led to Stockport’s opener.

8 Gudger – played out of his skin and did not deserve to be on the losing side as he won almost every header and tackle.

6 Weir –had a mixed afternoon as he got forward well at times but also put his side under pressure with loose defensive mistakes.

6 Gater – was involved in some good build-up play but was also wasteful in possession, which failed to help City’s cause.

6 Nti – another workmanlike display from the winger, who tried to get Worcester on the front foot when possible.

7 Donnellan - sprayed the ball around nicely and set up Hughes with a magnificent pass from deep inside his own half.

5 Perry – making his fourth successive start since joining the club, the striker looked heavy-legged and made way for Jordan Murphy three minutes after the break.

6 Burton – dropped deeper than usual and did a lot of the dirty work but seemed to tire as the match wore on.

8 HUGHES – did not get the hat-trick he craved but his first-half brace put City on the brink of victory. My man of the match.

Substitutes: Murphy 5 (Perry 48); Webb (Weir 90). Not used: Ross, Jackman, Morris.

Stockport (4-1-2-1-2): Henderson 6; Connolly 7, O’Hanlon 7, Smalley 7, Roberts 6; Ellison 6 (Menagh 71); Morton 7 (Poscha 90), Wilson 6; MARSDEN 8, Brodie 7 (Grimshaw 45, 7), Odejayi 6. Subs not used: Ormson, Field.

Referee: Simon Barrow 7/10

Attendance: 705

Match rating: 4/5

MATCH STATS

City/Stockport

Shots on: 6/8

Shots off: 6/7

Corners: 3/7

Offside: 2/1

Fouls conceded: 8/7

Bookings: 0/2