JAMAL Lawrence and George Forsyth plundered goals early in each half as Worcester City got back on track with a 2-0 win at Coventry United.

Forsyth played in Lawrence to outpace Kyle Barnett and coolly pass keeper Brendon Bunn with 64 seconds on the clock.

Liam Lockett’s swirling corner was then crashed in by Forsyth seven minutes after half-time to give City much-needed breathing space to secure what was a second win in nine league outings.

Sports reporter Andy Mitchell takes us through the talking points from Butts Park Arena.

POSITIVITY FROM THE OFF

Being up for the challenge on a cabbage-patch pitch following such a dismal run required mental strength.

City seemed in high spirits during a warm up taken by boss John Snape and that was reflected in the way the match started.

It was not always measured or polished but Worcester got at their hosts with tenacity early on and forced the breakthrough thanks to Lawrence’s pace and poise.

The tone was set.

THEN THE MOMENTUM SHIFTED

United gradually got back into the game and gave City’s three centre-halves plenty to think about.

Balls over the top were generally dealt with efficiently by the backline but the problem was it kept coming back.

During the last 25 minutes of the first half the ball did not stick up front frequently enough and Coventry’s midfield picked passes under little pressure having crossed the halfway line, creating problems down the sides of the back three.

ONE HAIRY MOMENT

Hearts were in mouths when Kai Williams – Coventry’s sole beacon of hope in the final third – was brought down by Jordan Stoddart while attacking the box after 12 minutes.

Incensed United wanted a penalty and it was hard to judge which side of the white line it was.

Referee Jak Machin was right on the spot to say free-kick but perhaps he couldn’t tell either and went with the safest decision.

Calls for Stoddart to be sent off were unfounded, though. Being the last defender does not always make for an obvious goalscoring opportunity. His booking was the right call.

BELIEF

There were some first-half wobbles, including new signing Callum McFarlane having to clear off the line Eli Bako's shot that was destined for the bottom corner, but the difference after the second goal was palpable.

At 2-0 City continued to do what was required but with more assurance.

Bar one or two ill-advised forays towards goal, it was all about game management with Mat Birley and Lockett getting far closer to their opponents, showing discipline to sacrifice their attacking instincts.

Ending a run of 11 matches without a clean sheet was just as important as the win.

A FOUNDATION FOR HOPE

Imperfections may have been present during the 15-match unbeaten run earlier this season but there was also verve and an identity.

Rediscovering that is key to winning back the hearts and minds of the sceptics but that will only happen with the fundamentals in place and this was a start.

It may not have ticked every box on the entertainment front and City will face more potent attacks – United have the worst goals-for record in the division – but the basics were all present and correct.

MATCH FACTS

MIDLAND FOOTBALL LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION: Coventry United 0 Worcester City 2 (Lawrence 2, Forsyth 52)

United: Bunn 5.5, Sawyer 6 (Ellis, 74, 5.5), Vallance 6.5, Mussa 6, Clarke 6 (Cairns, 65, 6.5), Barnett 5, Bako 5.5, Holt 6.5, Soleman 6, Williams 7, Jones 5.5 (Thornton, 60, 6). Unused subs: Alleyne, Downes.

City: Gilder 7, Caines 6.5, Smith 5.5, Horton 7.5, Stoddart 6 (Fishwick, 21, 8), McFarlane 8, Birley 6.5, Forsyth 8*, Harrison 6.5 (Attoumani, 79, 5), Lawrence 7 (Evans, 64, 6.5), Lockett 7.5. Unused subs: Basford, Baldwin.

Match rating: 5.

Referee: Jak Machin, 7.

Attendance: 214.