A LATE strike from Shaun Tuck condemned Worcester City to a 1-0 defeat against Vauxhall Motors in the Skrill Conference North on Saturday.
The goal came in controversial circumstances, after 78 minutes, when Tyler Weir was seemingly fouled in the build up before the striker finished neatly over Jose Veiga.
Carl Heeley named an unchanged side from the one that beat Altrincham 2-1 in the week, but they could not replicate the feat as The Blue and Whites three game winning streak stalled.
Torrential rain prior to kick-off made for a difficult contest with Zac Jones coming out to deny Ethan Moore at his feet before Aaron Williams’ lob was headed off the line by Louis Barnes after 26 minutes.
The Motormen carved their first chance of the half five minutes before the break when Aaron Ray showed pace down the left and curled an effort which was diverted behind by Graham Hutchison.
City continued to press in the second period as Tyler Weir played in Ebby Nelson-Addy but the midfielder’s effort was saved by Jones and George Williams’ follow up was well blocked.
Against the run of play, it was the hosts that shifted through the gears and broke the deadlock. Karl Clair’s blocked shot fell into the path of Tuck, who curled the ball into the far corner to give Vauxhall the lead.
City were incensed the referee had not blown for a push on Weir prior to the goal.
Worcester pushed until the last minute at Rivacre Park when substitute Steven Leslie’s cross flashed across the face of goal with no-one able to get the decisive touch.
Manager Heeley said: “The conditions were very, very difficult. It was blustery, swirling winds, it wasn’t conducive to good football.
“That said, credit to both sets of players because they both gave their all.
“It should have been a 0-0 draw, but unfortunately the game’s been decided by an awful, awful decision by the referee. But that’s football, decisions go against you, but I can’t ask for any more from the lads today.
“They’ve been superb in the last three games and I feel terribly sorry for them, it’s frustrating when things go against you but we’ve got nine points out of twelve and we can’t let the defeat affect our belief and confidence.”
City are back in action tomorrow night (Tuesday) when they host league high-flyers Solihull Moors at Aggborough.
