Tuesday, February 21, 2006

WORCESTER City's exceptional de-fence enhanced its reputation last night by holding championsip challengers Nuneaton Borough to a 0-0 Nationwide North draw at Manor Park.

It was City's second stalemate in the space of four days, but unlike Saturday's limp contest against Vauxhall Motors, Andy Preece's men were given a stern test.

They withstood a second-half mini-onslaught protecting their goal in front of the Cock and Bear stand, with two clearances off the goal-line keeping second-placed Borough at bay.

Darren Acton did not have a save to make all night for Nuneaton as City, without suspended striker Mark Danks, carried only a limited threat.

But similarly, opposite number Danny McDonnell was called on just once, a terrific stop keeping out Gez Murphy.

City now boast six league clean sheets in 10 outings and, following on from their recent 1-0 success at Northwich Victoria, have gifted leaders Stafford Rangers another title favour.

"I thought first-half, we were excellent," said player-manager Preece. "They did not create a thing against us and although we did not create too much ourselves, we looked comfortable and had more possession."

A handful of spectators brought pocket televisions to keep an eye on Arsenal's victory over Real Madrid.

They were probably glad of their decision in a dull first-half that failed to register a single worthwhile shot.

City, however, played the brighter football while the impeccable trio of Des Lyttle, Chris Smith and Justin Thompson dealt admirably with the physical threat of Murphy and powerhouse Duane Darby.

Stuart Whittaker should have put Nuneaton ahead on 64 minutes, however, but he scuffed his shot from six yards out. From that clearance, Leon Kelly, in for banned Danks, romped down the left flank only to be hauled down by Derek Brown.

The booked defender was lucky to avoid a red card as Kelly raced towards Borough's box.

City survived again with 18 minutes left. Michael Love's delicious corner was met powerfully by Mark Noon, but his effort was blocked and frantically hacked clear by Tom Warmer.

City: McDonnell, Warner, Khan, Smith, Thompson, Lyttle, Clegg, Colley, Kelly, Webster, Warmer. Subs not used: Preece, Watkins, Stanley, Wood, G Walker.

Attendance: 801