Monday, April 17, 2006

WORCESTER City's play-off dreams finally ended after suffering a comprehensive 3-0 defeat at rivals Droylsden.

Nationwide North's second leading goalscorer Terry Fearns smashed a brace, including a second-half penalty, and Gareth Morris also netted at Butcher's Arms, as City never reached the heights of recent away trips.

The visitors were always off the pace and their play-off fate was confirmed with Harrogate Town's 2-0 victory against Worksop Town.

Bloods goalkeeper Paul Phillips was not called on to make a single save, proof that City were not at their best.

For Droylsden, it was sweet revenge after losing 3-1 to City at St George's Lane 12 months ago -- a result which robbed them of the title and handed it on a plate to Southport.

"We thought we could do it, but Droylsden are a strong side. It was not meant to be," said City's Des Lyttle.

"We could have scored one or two before half-time, but it did not happen.

"It was really frustrating because over the last few weeks we've been playing really well.

"A lot of people came here to support us and it's just a shame we didn't really give them much to cheer about."

The game did not end until 5.25pm following a 35-minute stoppage for Droylsden midfielder Jamie Tandy, who broke his collarbone after a centre-circle collision with Chris Smith.

But before Tandy's serious injury 10 minutes before the interval, City were two goals down and the damage had already been done on their must-win attempts.

It was from set-pieces that City lost their way. From Morris' whipped-in free-kick near the left touchline, unmarked Fearns rose to power past Lewis Skyers from six yards.

The home side continued to dominate, dictating tempo and winning most battles across the park, and they doubled the lead on 24 minutes.

Another perfect in-swinging free-kick, this time from Tandy, was headed into the top corner by Morris.

With too many players off-form, City barely mustered a chance, although there were penalty shouts when Carl Ruffer hauled down Adam Webster.

Phillips dealt comfortably with second-half efforts from George Clegg and Smith, after which Fearns wrapped up the points with a 72nd minute spot-kick, awarded when Lyttle clipped the striker.

Five players -- Smith, Lyttle, Andy Preece, Jai Stanley and Mark Danks -- were all booked for petulance in the closing stages as frustrated Worcester knew their play-off hopes had disappeared.

City: Skyers, Warner (Preece 75), Khan, Pearce, Smith, Lyttle, Stanley, Colley (Warmer 75), Webster, Danks, Clegg. Subs (not used): Wood, Walker, Watkins.

Attendance: 468.