WORCESTER City edged ever closer to the Hellenic League Premier title on Tuesday evening thanks to a scrappy but gutsy 2-1 win at high-flying Royal Wootton Bassett Town.

In horrible conditions down in Wiltshire, City’s Kyle Belmonte scored in both halves to guide the visitors back to the top of the table with their 20th consecutive win in all competitions.

The number 10 opened the scoring on the counter-attack inside the opening 10 minutes with a lovely first-time finish but Alfie Presley’s penalty pegged them back.

In the driving rain, the hosts went toe-to-toe with City and caused them a number of problems on the counter-attack, with Haydn Whitcombe having to make a couple of smart saves to keep the scores level.

After the break, Kyle Tooze thumped an effort against the post and saw his rebound bravely blocked by Kirk Layton as they continued to threaten.

But as has been the case throughout the 2023/24 campaign, City found a way and it was stand-in boss Ryan Rowe – manager Chris Cornes is away on holiday in Turkey – who made the key substitution just after the hour.

Kyonn Evans raced onto the pitch and was soon tearing away down the right wing before cutting the ball back to the arriving Belmonte, who again showed great composure to slot home into the corner from six yards.

The rain continued to soak all in attendance but it was the City fans who were celebrating once again at the full-time whistle as their side did enough to get them over the line and move one step closer to the title.

They now need 11 points to officially win the league, although that could change if Corsham slip up at any point in their final four games. They play twice before City next go again in the Hellenic Premier.

The Quarrymen make the trip to Highworth Town on Wednesday (March 27) before facing an in-form Cinderford, again away from home, on Saturday (March 30).

City's attentions now turn to Saturday's highly-anticipated Isuzu FA Vase semi-final first-leg at Claines Lane.