CHRIS Smith bagged an injury-time winner as Worcester City claimed three precious points with a 2-1 victory at Redditch United in tonight's Worcestershire derby.

Smith popped up at the far post with 92 minutes on the clock to stab home George Clegg's free-kick and hand City a much-needed boost in their quest for a Nationwide North play-off place.

The defender's late strike, the second time in as many games City have scored with virtually the last touch following Craig Wilding's equaliser against Stalybridge, ensured the visitors recorded their first win since beating Hinckley United last month.

Justin Thompson had given City a 12th-minute lead in an at times fiery contest at the Valley Stadium. But Redditch, who slipped closer towards the relegation trap-door, got back on level terms through substitute Jermaine Clarke seven minutes from time before Smith had the final say.

City, though, could have had the match sewn up long before they allowed Gary Whild's side back into the contest after being denied on several occasions in the first-half by goalkeeper Richard Anstiss.

The Redditch custodian saved from Smith twice and made two blocks in quick succession from Adam Burley and Adam Webster going into the interval.

Anstiss blocked a close-range effort from Smith as early as the sixth minute before tipping over the captain's header on 41 minutes.

Burley's drive four minutes later was then beaten out by the diving Anstiss and he reacted brilliantly seconds later to tip Webster's effort over the top.

The 'keeper had been unfortunate to concede Thompson's scrambled early opener. Clegg sent in a free-kick from the right and the Canadian centre-half's header was judged to have crossed the line despite the efforts of Anstiss.

Redditch began to impose themselves more on City after the break and had two good opportunities before the hour mark to equalise.

Former Evesham United striker Richard Ball skimmed the far post with a 50th-minute strike and Richard Softley ballooned over following Simon Hollis' cross 11 minutes later.

Ball had the best effort of the first-half for his new team as he forced a good save out of Danny McDonnell, returning to the team after a bout of 'flu, in stoppage-time.

Redditch's persistence paid off on 83 minutes when Clarke turned fellow substitute Dave Walker's cross past McDonnell to set up a grandstand finish.

That looked to have been enough for a point but, with seconds remaining, Clegg floated in a free-kick and Smith pounced to send the visitors' bench into raptures.

City: McDonnell, Hodnett, Burley, Smith, Thompson, Lyttle, Ward (Warmer 46), Findlay (Colley 88), Webster, Wilding, Clegg. Subs not used: Danks, Khan, Cornes.

Attendance: 603.