Worcester’s debutants shone as they ensured their progress in the FA cup qualifying rounds, with a convincing victory over Coventry Sphinx at Aggborough.

Worcester created the first chance of the game, as Aaron Williams whipped in an inviting header for Danny Glover, who headed over.

Despite the score line, it was fair to say that City rode their luck somewhat in the opening stages, as Sphinx firmly installed their attacking intentions. Jerome Murdock struck the post twice approaching the twenty minute mark before Kyle Baxter forced an athletic save out of Jose Veiga.

It was City however that would grasp their chance to reverse the momentum of the game. Richard Taundry showed great desire to reach the ball as it broke to him twenty yards out, before converting first time with a perfectly struck driven shot into the bottom left hand corner.

The goal allowed City to gain a greater control of the game and they finished the half on top.

The first fifteen minutes of the second half passed without either team creating a clear-cut goal scoring opportunity.

Perhaps the most significant event of the game did however occur at the hour mark. Referee Matthew Jones showed Sphinx’s Baxter a red card as he kicked out at Taundry after contesting an aerial ball. Taundry was consequently booked for his reaction.

The Game did heat up following the sending off, but City maintained a degree of discipline that would be essential in securing the result.

As the final ten minutes approached, Worcester worked their man advantage seeing a lot more of the ball and showing some intelligent link up play, Tom Thorley instrumental in dictating the pace of the attack.

The possession would be telling as City doubled their lead. Niall Thompson rounded off an impressive debut with a goal as he worked himself an opening to finish in the top corner.

The two goal cushion would allow City fans to relax somewhat, yet this did not mark the end of the game.

Daniel Nti got amongst the scorers with five left on the clock as he latched onto Thompsons pass to fire home.

A special moment was to follow as James Lemon, another city debutant, marked his eighteenth birthday with a goal after being on the pitch for a mere two minutes.

Manager Carl Heeley was once again delighted with the performance of his players, "Our quality shone through and we scored some impressive goals today, as the game opened up we looked menacing going forward"

On the success of City’s fresh faces he said;

"There was certainly some impressive debuts. Lemon came onto today his 18th birthday, wearing the 18 shirt and scored, I am chuffed for the lad"

Match Stats:
City - Sphinx

Red Cards 0 - 1
Yellow Cards 2 - 2
Offsides 5 - 2
Corners 3 - 2
Shots Off 5 - 4
Shots On 8 - 1

Coventry Sphinx
C. O’Neil, H. Wright, (B. Atkins 64) R. Hill, (J. Downie 64) K. Baxter, R. Fletcher, M.Flower, K. Galdins, M. Bannister, A. Wilks,(R. Knight 70) J. Murdock. G. Dainty.
Subs
A. Sullivan, C. Sockett, B. Atkins, (H. Wright 64) T. Dyke, J. Downie,( R.Hill 64) R. Knight, (A.Wilks 70) A. Bilic.
Officials

Referee: Matthew Jones
Assistants: Adam Dean and Gregory Rollason

Report by City Match Reporter: Kelly Holliday
Stats by: Kim Bebbington