WORCESTER City manager Carl Heeley praised midfield duo Chekaine Steele and Junior English for their work-rate and effort in Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Harrogate Town.

But Heeley admitted City still had plenty to work on despite coming within a whisker of opening their Vanarama National League North campaign with an impressive victory at Bromsgrove.

“We conceded two poor free-kicks which led to goals,” said Heeley.

“It was naïve because, for their first goal, the Harrogate player was going nowhere and was not going to cause us any problems. We gave them an opportunity to put a free-kick into our box.

“These are the things we have to work on and things you get with young players. But the young players are only inexperienced for a short time.

“As each game goes on, they will get more experienced and we have to minimise those errors because if we do there’s a lot of potential.”

Former Port Vale midfielder Steele and English, who joined City after 12 years at Solihull Moors, were combative in the centre of the park.

Heeley said: “It was a warm day but the energy, work-rate and commitment was excellent.

“I thought young Chekaine and Junior epitomised everything we did. They had the desire not to get beaten by their opponents and worked so hard to stop crosses and were positive throughout.”

Heeley also had sympathy for former Notts County youngster Colby Bishop, who missed a late chance which would have handed City a commanding two-goal cushion.

“It’s a great chance but he’s a young lad and the best players in the world miss chances,” said Heeley.

“It’s no good getting too worked up about situations because it’s the outcome at 90 minutes that counts. Overall, I was delighted with the players.”