Worcester City earn a frustrating draw against Kettering Town at Sixways, but continue the positive start in the league this season.

Last season’s runners up, Kettering, got off to the better start as winger Brandon Barker broke free from City fullback Jordan Lymn, floating a ball to Town forward Nile Ranger. Pressure from City centre back Spencer Hamilton put an end to the Kettering attack.

City’s defence held out well against Kettering’s press, as both full-backs utilised the offside trap well to force the Town wingers into offside positions. Just shy of the 15-minute mark, City looked to find the form from the Bank Holiday's smashing of Halesowen, as City’s midfield looked to control possession well.

Some great trickery from Kettering defender Edimond Oppong caused the full back to attempt a breakaway run from Jordan Lymn, but City’s left back held his own to halt the one-way traffic from the visitors.

Just on the half-hour mark, a marvellous run by Felix Miles saw him brought down on the edge of the area after a panic tackle from Kettering. However, Miles’s effort was sent high over the bar.

City looked to pile on more pressure as a shot by in-form Liam Lockett was deflected out for a corner, causing more problems for Town.

Moments later, Teddy Rowe fired an effort from outside the area, which flew inches past the post. That wasn’t the last of the first half action as a floated pass into the area was deflected over the bar by City's debutant goalkeeper, Harley Price.

Just before the half-time interval, a shot from forward Liam Lockett was saved by Kettering keeper Jason Alexander for a corner. The resulting set piece was fired into the net by defender Spencer Hamilton, giving City the lead.

However, seconds after the restart, Kettering launched a ball into the box, which was met by veteran striker Nile Ranger. He nodded in the equaliser for Town to bring the half to a close at 1 a piece.

City started the second half with the same pressure as the first, looking the brighter of the two sides - Holding the ball well and looking to create chances to retake the lead.

Worcester created their best chance of the second half as Teddy Rowe’s cross was met by Liam Lockett. He laid it off to Kyle Belmonte, but his shot was safely caught by the Kettering keeper.

Minutes later, City worked another chance. Liam Lockett, this time, laid the ball off to Nathan Hayward, who fired his effort high over the bar.

13 minutes from time, and City’s foothold in this game began to slip, as some controversial decisions allowed Kettering to take advantage and apply pressure to the Worcester back line.

The final moments saw a frantic affair with Belmonte and Ceesay going close, before Kai Fifield jinked his way into the City box, firing wide.

After dominating most of the game, it ended all square at Sixways.

Worcester City will continue league action on Wednesday evening as we make the short trip to the War Memorial Athletic Ground to face local side Stourbridge Town.

Match report by Harry Wilcox.