Monday, November 13, 2000

CHRIS Jefferson stole the limelight from two-goal Mark Owen as Worcester City cruised into the second round of the Dr Martens Cup last night.

The 24-year-old striker, a summer signing from Bromyard Town, marked his full debut with a goal and set up another as City thumped Blakenall 4-0 at St George's Lane.

Manager John Barton said: "He has done very well. He has been patiently waiting for his opportunity and last night he came in and created a decent impression.

"Generally it was a lively and enthusiastic performance."

Jefferson, always busy and linking well with the prolific Owen, had already hit the post with an early effort when City hit the front on 28 minutes.

Ian Reed, who had a hand in three of the goals, worked the ball through to Owen, who scored with a low shot on the turn from the edge of the area.

Western Division visitors Blakenall almost grabbed an equaliser with a rare attack, but Carl Heeley made a crucial goal-line clearance to deny Lee Bullimore.

Five minutes before the break Jefferson played Owen into space and he drilled home his 16th goal of the season -- and his seventh in the last three games -- to make it 2-0.

Jefferson was finally rewarded for his efforts on 54 minutes when he ran clear from Reed's pass to slot confidently past advancing 'keeper Gary Price.

Nine minutes later Reed was again the provider when his cross was only parried by Price and Ian Cottrill headed home the rebound.

After that only the agility of Price, who injured himself early on, prevented City running up a hatful of goals as they extended their impressive run to seven wins and only one defeat in the last nine matches.

City were also able to introduce defender Martin Weir and striker Carl Tranter in the closing stages for their first appearances in several weeks after recovering from injuries.

Worcester: McDonnell 7, Bradley 7, Jukes 7, Tucker 8 (Weir 70, 7), Heeley 8, Lutz 8, M. Wyatt 7, Cottrill 8, Owen 8 (Tranter 74), Jefferson 9 (Hyde 80), Reed 8.

Star man: Chris Jefferson. Attendance: 343.