Saturday, January 28, 2006

ADAM Webster reckons Worcester City's doctrine must be to keep supplying Mark Danks within a sniff of the penalty box.

After spanking a wonderful brace in the mid-week tester at Hinckley, all eyes focused on deadly Danks on his home debut.

He did not disappoint. Running diligently throughout, Danks gave a thorough account of his strengths at St George's Lane and, almost inevitably, the 21-year-old found himself celebrating a third goal in two games.

Knocking aside veteran defender Darren Edmondson and beating Workington 'keeper Adam Collin with determination and poise, the ex-Forest Green striker's opener had everyone purring, including partner Webster.

"Mark took his goal really well. He took his goals at Hinckley really well too," said Webster.

"He's only had a couple of games and the odd training session, but he seems to be settling in really well.

"Hopefully, myself, the midfield and whoever is up front alongside Mark can keep supplying him, so he can keep putting the ball in the back of the net."

For all their endeavour, Worcester failed to capitalise and, with 20 minutes to go, lively Workington fashioned a sting in the tail.

Wayne Gordon slipped a low shot past Danny McDonnell and team-mate Matt Henney made doubly sure, booting in on the goal-line to earn the Reds a point.

In truth, the Cumbrians deserved some reward for their open, attacking approach, which made a refreshing change following the depressing methods of recent visitors.

Andy Preece grumbled over the tactics of Worksop, Hayes and Kettering as they bolted up the door.

But Workington did not travel five hours and more than half the length of England to contain.

The second-half was as entertaining as it has been for some time at the Lane, both sides ploughing forward in trademark end-to-end style.

A cliché it may be, but the second goal was always to prove critical.

Worcester had chances to put the game to bed, Webster missing the pick of the bunch when slamming the ball against an upright.

Leon Kelly was re-called to City's line-up in place of Nick Colley as Preece continued to stick with an adventurous three-striker system, while Sam Wedgbury was favoured to Tom Warmer. The 16-year-old was involved in the Worcester's first chance on goal, teeing up Danks for a 25-yarder that was drilled into Collin's stomach.

Dennis Pearce, making his home debut on his fourth Worcester appearance, brilliantly stopped Craig Johnston in his tracks and David Hewson swung a right boot and shaved the post from a corner.

Danks enjoyed greater involvement as the game burst into life and his goal on 37 minutes was a prime example of a striker refusing to give up. In true David-versus-Goliath style, Danks won not just one but two shoulder-barge challenges to rob possession off 6ft-plus Edmondson, before coolly rounding Collin and firing into the roof of the net.

Chances followed thick and fast after the break. Pearce headed off his own line and then Webster, unmarked and presented with the ball eight yards out, thrashed his shot against the base of the post. Reds stormed forward again, Graham Goulding leaving Des Lyttle for dead before Danny McDonnell expertly beat his cushioned shot away.

Late Workington replacement Gordon caused huge problems with his pace and was on hand for the equaliser. From a set-piece, Lee Hoolickin carved open City's day-dreaming defence and Gordon tucked past McDonnell. The ball was rolling in, although Henney poked home the final touch.

City were vulnerable to a Reds breakaway in the closing stages but they posted a late chance when Danks' volley brought a terrific one-handed save from Collin.

City: McDonnell, Warner, Hines, Pearce, Thompson, Lyttle, Clegg, Wedgbury (Warmer 77), Danks, Webster, Kelly (Preece 77). Subs (not used): Colley, Khan, McDonald.

Attendance: 931