WORCESTER City’s ability to make an “impact” off the bench shows they are “going in the right direction”, according to manager Carl Heeley.

Striker Colby Bishop, winger Chekaine Steele and midfielder Danny Jackman all came on in the second half against AFC Telford United.

And Heeley said the trio were “a major reason” why they claimed a thrilling 2-1 win in Vanarama National League North at the Victoria Ground.

Bishop, who replaced Lee Hughes, arguably made the biggest impression as he calmly slotted home the winner in injury-time.

But Heeley was keen to highlight the contributions of livewire Steele and the experienced Jackman as City claimed a third successive home win.

Defender Tom Sharpe and forward Micah Evans were unused substitutes but City’s boss said they all had strong cases to start ahead of Saturday's visit to Salford City (3pm).

“We have trimmed the squad down a bit,” Heeley said.

“But, if you look at that 16 on Saturday, you could pick any 11 from that and be happy with it. That’s one of the things we have said in the changing room.

“It is also important the boys go on, do a job for us and make that impact and they certainly did that in three different ways.

"Chekaine, Colby and Danny have all done what we put them on the pitch to do and it was a major reason why we went on and won the game.

“It is great and shows we are going in the right direction. It’s nice to get another win but it’s only one win, so we move on to the next game.”

Heeley has sent Connor Gater (Stourbridge), Nick Draper (Bedworth United) and Joe Bates (Tividale) out on loan.

Kieron Morris (Stafford Rangers) and Nathan Olukanmi (Leamington) are on dual-registration deals, while Joe Fitzpatrick (Telford) and Elijah Chilewka were released.

For long periods, City came under heavy pressure against Telford but Heeley said he was impressed by club captain Jackman, saying he helped to “steady the ship”.

“We were a little starved of possession at times,” added Heeley, whose team moved up a place to 12th.

“At times, you need to be brave, get on the ball and just keep it, which was exactly what Danny did when he went on.

“He steadied the ship, got on the ball and did the simple things.

“We have conceded but the important thing was we have gone up the other end and won it very late on.”