A FOUR-goal blitz in 19 second-half minutes saw Worcester City turn the tables on Highgate United in a 4-1 MFL Cup victory at The Coppice.

Richard Batchelor’s low free-kick gave Highgate a 1-0 lead at the break that their territorial advantage had warranted in a scrappy first half of many half chances.

City were brighter after the break with striker Cameron Walker guiding home on his debut four minutes before George Forsyth’s cool penalty after Cameron Day had tangled with Jordan Harrison.

Liam Lockett forced the third inside the near post despite being tightly marked with 10 minutes to go with lively substitute Harrison rounding keeper Brad Catlow to net from an acute angle late on.

Sports reporter Andy Mitchell analyses the action.

PLAYING WITH PURPOSE

As much as it was a game of contrasting halves, City played with more purpose and determination throughout.

Fluency was lacking in the first half but effort and tenacity were present. Players were demanding the ball and showed presence.

KNOWING WHEN TO CHANGE 

Playing three at the back did not quite work and credit to City’s management, a half-time reshuffle helped get them on the front foot.

Too frequently headaches were caused by simple cross-field balls but the second-half structure gave Worcester the platform to press and ultimately overwhelm Highgate.

DON’T BLAME GILDER

City's keeper will be the first to disagree but Sam Gilder was unfortunate to get caught out by Richard Batchelor’s free-kick.

Whether it was clever or scuffed, the low effort under the wall would have been hard to anticipate and it was made to look worse by Gilder initially getting his gloves on it.

The most telling thing was he continued to come for crosses and performed effectively despite the setback.

YOU EARN YOUR LUCK

City’s second came from the penalty spot four minutes after equalising and it looked dubious to say the least.

The ball appeared to be running ahead of Jordan Harrison and he seemed to collide with Cameron Day more than the other way around.

That said, Day went in when he could and should have stood his ground and Harrison certainly earned any fortune by being a thorn in Highgate’s side.

His presence changed the game.

DISCIPLINE

Whether under pressure or applying it, the difference in this match was discipline.

City stood firm despite giving away one more (albeit glorious) chance in a tough first half.

In contrast, as soon as Highgate shipped the second they went to pot and Worcester might have had more with Liam Lockett hitting the bar at 4-1.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST…

A note for new boy Cameron Walker, too.

Missed a sitter but was not put off and coolly notched the equaliser. Performed admirably having entered the action at half-time.

MATCH FACTS AND STATS

MIDLAND FOOTBALL LEAGUE CUP, ROUND TWO: Highgate United 1 (Batchelor 18) Worcester City 4 (Walker 69, Forsyth 73p, Lockett 80, Harrison 88)

Highgate: Catlow 5, Edwards 6, Manning 6 (Barkers, 78, 5.5), Currithers 6.5, Oji 6 (Taylor, h-t, 5.5), Bryan 5.5, Deards 5, Stokes 5.5 (Day, 62, 4.5), Adaggio 5.5, L Brown 5.5, Batchelor 6.5. Unused subs: Yahiya, T Smith.

City: Gilder 6, English 7, Willis 6.5 (Baldwin, 70, 6.5), Forsyth 7.5, Stoddart 7.5, Fishwick 6, Keasey 7, Caines 6.5, Turton 6 (Walker, h-t, 7), Evans 5.5 (Harrison, 51, 8*), Lockett 7.5. Unused sub: Bates.

Attendance: 58.

Referee: Scott Postin, 7.