Saturday, October 8, 2005

BRING on Harriers was the shrill as Worcester City breezed through their latest FA Cup examination.

A young supporter, reflecting the thoughts of many, made the call bouncing out of St George's Lane after City's comfortable third qualifying round success over Tonbridge Angels.

Bromsgrove Rovers progressed too, offering another possible mouth-watering Worcestershire derby.

But when that rare opportunity presents itself to inflict torture on those county cousins at Aggborough, it's something City fans hold out for.

On this evidence, Worcester boast the tools to see off a challenge from Kidderminster and several other Conference sides, especially at headquarters.

Angels are, of course, not on the same level in terms of quality and City have failed to translate their cup form into the hard weekly graft of Nationwide North.

But as Bromsgrove have shown in the last fortnight, there are shocks aplenty in the FA Cup this year.

That's its beauty. Worcester have not been the victims in any giant-killing story and owe their progress to a first-rate display against an Angels side flying high and unbeaten in Ryman League Division One.

Front men Leon Kelly and Adam Webster hit the target again, as they did against poor Bemerton, while Graham Hyde added a last minute third as City took their FA Cup goal-tally this season into double figures.

Expectant Tonbridge came to town with an exceptional scoring record, netting in every game in 2005/06, but they were offered short shrift from the solid threesome of Justin Thompson, Chris Smith and Des Lyttle.

Smith and, in particular, Thompson were impeccable. The Canadian international dominated and won challenges without breaking sweat.

Tonbridge forwards Leroy Huggins and Jay May found it impossible breaking past the tough `Mountie' from British Columbia, while Smith and Lyttle were equally resilient.

Strength and steel from defence provided the foundations for City's midfield to attack in refreshingly good numbers. Wing-backs Shabir Khan and Rob Warner were handed licence to roam forward, the former enjoying the uncommon treat of several shots on goal, while Warner delivered the telling ball for Worcester's second and third goals. I was pleased with the way we went about it," said City player-manager Andy Preece. "Tonbridge were unbeaten this season and had won a lot of games. It's a good effort by us to beat them. It's no walkover and maybe one or two people thought we might struggle.

"But I don't think we struggled at any point of the game, although they had two opportunities at 1-0 when it could have been different.

"I think we pretty well controlled the whole game and put on a good performance.

"I think everybody put in six-and-a-half and seven out of 10 performances and one or two had eights. When you've got that, you've got a good chance of winning.

"I was pleased with our attitude because this was never going to be an easy game and they fancied themselves, there's no doubt about that.

"We probably could have scored more, although we can't be too disappointed with three goals."

City settled into their stride once the tie gathered tempo and took the lead on 24 minutes.

A perfect long cross from Hyde found Webster at the far post and his cushioned volley across goal was tucked home low by Kelly.

As Worcester looked to take a stranglehold, Tonbridge stormed back with their best chance of an equaliser. Outside the box, right-back Ray Powell slammed a powerful shot that McDonnell parried and Lyttle hacked clear.

City put the tie to bed on 74 minutes when, from Warner's free-kick, Webster headed in off the post with assistance from 'keeper Jerome John.

Hyde finished it off in stoppage-time, picking up the loose ball from Warner's right-wing cross and shooting low past John.

CITY: McDonnell, Warner, Khan, Smith, Thompson, Lyttle, Warmer (Wedgbury 70), Hyde, Kelly, Webster, McDonald (Preece 78). Subs not used: Hodnett, Jones, Skyers.

Attendance: 684.