Geddes kicks Rugby into Touch
Worcester City 3 Rugby Town 1
A man of the match display from Sean Geddes, topped off with a brace helped see City through the FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round tie against Rugby Town at Aggborough.
For the second time in two seasons, the two sides met in the qualifying rounds of the worlds most famous cup competition. Unlike last season, when the tie went to a replay, City turned in a fine tuned performance and despatched the Southern League outfit on the first attempt.
An action packed first half saw numerous efforts from City striker, Mike Symons parried away by the Rugby shot stopper, Nick Bennion. The Blue and Whites spent the majority of the half pressing Rugby back in to their own penalty area, but the Rugby defence were resolute and stood strong.
Rugby's first effort fell to Seb Lake-Gaskin but he blazed his long distance effort well over the bar, in a relatively quiet half, attacking-wise, for the visitors. Shortly after, City captain, Wayne Thomas hobbled off holding his leg and was replaced by Jacob Rowe. City closed out the half with quick fire efforts from Geddes, Gater and an effort cleared off the line from Nick Wright, but went in at 0-0.
The second half started at a frantic pace with City instantly pinning Rugby back in to their own defensive zone. 3 minutes in, the ball landed on Daniel Nti's head and a combination of keeper and post denied City from taking the lead. A matter of seconds later, the ball fell to Geddes on the edge of the area, who curled a delightful effort past the outstretched Bennion to give City the lead. Geddes could have had a second quickly after, but his effort flew wide.
On 60 minutes, some great work from Towers on the Rugby left resulted in a great ball in to the area that Lake-Gaskin failed to convert. From the resulting goal kick, City pushed Rugby back, once again, and won a throw in deep in the the visitors territory. George Williams launched a huge throw in to the box which was flicked on, Jacob Rowe rose above his marker and managed to get enough on the ball to see it land the right side of the post, doubling City's lead.
On 70 minutes, City boss, Carl Heeley played his last two cards. Dunkley replaced Wright and the returning Michael Taylor replaced Mike Symons, to a standing ovation from the City faithful.
With 15 minutes to play, Rugby converted their first effort on target as the ball fell to Towers in the City box after Gudger was denied by Nathan Vaughan.
A nervy 8 minutes was played out, until Sean Geddes calmed the situation with his second and City's third. A thunderous shot from the edge of the area gave Bennion absolutely no chance and put the tie to bed.
Unfortunately, after an awkward fall, the stretcher was called for Tristan Dunkley, as City played out the last 5 minutes with 10 men. City held Rugby at bay, to go in to the hat for the 3rd qualifying round draw with a convincing 3-1 victory.
Report by: Lee Jackson
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