A STUNNING strike from Daniel Nti helped Worcester City claim a 2-1 victory at high-flying Altrincham last night (Tuesday) and pull themselves out of the Skrill Conference North relegation zone.
Aaron Brown had earlier headed The Blue and Whites ahead to set them on their way to a third consecutive victory, with substitute James Lawrie’s free-kick pulling one back for the hosts and ensuring a nervy finale.
The result means Carl Heeley’s men leapfrog Oxford City into 19th place, following their 3-2 home defeat to league leaders North Ferriby United.
The Robins started the game strongly and Joe Mwasile lashed a shot wide of the near post before Damien Reeve’s chip over Jose Veiga was ruled out for offside.
After 20 minutes City began to get a foothold in the game and twice went close when Nti forced a reaction save from Stuart Coburn and Ellis Deeney thundered a shot off the bar.
The promotion-chasing hosts were being heavily put on the back foot by the rampant visitors and Nti glanced a header just wide, while Ethan Moore’s swivelling half-volley flashed just past the post.
The breakthrough Heeley’s men deserved came after 56 minutes when Nti produced a perfect cross for Brown, who headed past Coburn for his first goal for the club.
Nti was running the show and the striker doubled Worcester’s lead with 11 minutes remaining when he unleashed a sumptuous strike from outside the area which looped over the ‘keeper and into the top corner.
Altrincham set up a nervy final ten minutes when Lawrie’s low free-kick found the back of the net, via the post, but City dug in deep – in atrocious conditions – to claim nine points from a possible nine.
Manager Heeley said: “The pitch has cut up, it was very blustery, driving rain and we adapted to it brilliantly. We scrapped and we did all the ugly things, but we looked a real threat as well.
“What can you say about the second goal? That’s good enough in any league, whatever level of football you watch, that’s an unbelievable strike.
“We’ve got what we deserved this evening, the belief and confidence is flowing through the camp at the moment and we’re on a lovely little run. There is renewed optimism.”
City will look to make it four out of four when they travel to Vaxhaull Motors on Saturday (January 25).
Photo by Rob Bazley.
