THERE was to be no FA Cup hangover for Worcester City as they battled their way to their fourth successive league win at Stalybridge Celtic on Saturday (December 20).
Mike Symons grabbed the all important goal midway through the second half as manager Carl Heeley hailed an ‘ugly win’ which saw his side rise to seventh in the Conference North.
Just two points off a play-off spot, with a game in hand, the Blue and Whites rode their luck at times, with Paul Ennis crashing against the woodwork and Nathan Vaughan once more in fine form.
Heeley said: “Stalybridge were desperate to get the game on today because they thought we would have a hangover from Wednesday’s game, but it just goes to show what great character we have got.
“We scrapped it out, we did all the ugly things really well. It was an ugly win, but a great three points.
“You’re not going to have first class pitches and be able to knock it around and win the perfect way, you have got to come and defend properly and clear your lines.”
On the back of their gruelling penalty defeat to Scunthorpe in midweek, many were expecting a tired City display but they came out the blocks on fire with Symons heading Tristan Dunkley’s cross wide before the striker’s effort was cleared off the line by Stefan Galinski.
Heeley made five changes to the squad that was beaten by the Iron, Jacob Rowe, Shabir Khan, Dunkley, Danny Jackman and Nick Wright all came in, in place of Sean Geddes, George Williams, Jordan Murphy, Daniel Nti and Wayne Thomas.
One man to keep his place after his cup heroics was Nathan Vaughan, and the keeper showed just why when he beat away Liam Dickinson’s drive and kept out Matty Hughes’ thundering header before the break.
The lively Ennis then flashed an effort inches past the near post at the start of the second half but it was the much-changed Worcester who broke the deadlock after 64 minutes.
Patient build-up play from Dunkley and substitute Nti resulted in the former whipping the ball in for Symons to fire home from close range.
Yet more resolute defending from the visitors looked set to see out another three points and despite Ennis crashing his effort off the underside of the bar with 15 minutes to go it was another day to savour for City.
Next up for Heeley’s men is their rearranged FA Trophy tie with FC Halifax Town tomorrow (Tuesday) 7.45pm kick off.