Monday, October 17, 2005

WORCESTER City dropped into Nationwide North's relegation zone last night after slipping 1-0 to high-flying Nuneaton Borough at St George's Lane.

It was City's second loss by the same scoreline in the space of three days, following defeat to leaders Northwich Victoria on Saturday.

Whereas Vics snatched the points with a deflected strike, there was no luck involved in Nuneaton's winner as striker Gez Murphy finished a slick move with a cheeky back-heel on 32 minutes.

Worryingly, poor finishing again proved the downfall for City in a match they deserved more from.

Adam Webster, Chris Smith and Jimmi-Lee Jones were guilty of fluffing clear-cut opportunities, whereas Murphy's ingenuity showed the home side the way.

Despite their positive FA Cup form, Worcester have now scored just one league goal in five matches and are in the bottom two for the first time this season.

City player-manager Andy Preece remained upbeat in defeat and praised his side's effort. "I thought we were magnificent," said Preece.

"Once again, I though the lads were superb. In the second-half we absolutely hammered them. We are just missing clear-cut chances.

"I counted in the last two games that we missed 10 clear-cut chances against the top two teams, and we've lost both 1-0. We've just got to find that finishing touch."

Webster missed a glorious chance on 16 minutes as City rolled into gear, stabbing wide when one-on-one with goalkeeper Darren Acton. Leon Kelly also struck the side-netting when sent through.

Murphy put Boro ahead soon after, finishing a cross from Matty Collins.

After the interval, Acton superbly tipped over a header from his own centre-half Gary Fitzpatrick and, on 77 minutes, he foiled Jones when the young striker was clear on goal.

Substitute Preece also had two late efforts turned behind by Acton.

Nuneaton should have doubled their lead deep into stoppage time when Michael Frew dragged his low shot wide of the upright.

City: McDonnell, Warner, Khan (Hodnett 37), Smith, Thompson, Lyttle (Jones 67), Wedgbury, Hyde, Kelly (Preece 75), Webster, McDonald. Subs not used: Watkins, Wood.

Attendance: 922.