Worcester City and Alvechurch played out an entertaining draw under the lights at Sixways, as City claimed a credible point in the first Worcestershire derby of the campaign.

Both sides enjoyed spells of possession in the opening minutes, with City earning an early corner after pressuring the Alvechurch back line, though the set piece was dealt with comfortably by the visitors.

Fifteen minutes in, City created their best early chance as Kyle Belmonte set himself for a curling effort that drifted inches wide of the left post. Alvechurch responded when City’s backline was caught out, but Josh Dugmore’s strike was comfortably claimed by Harley Price.

The visitors continued to apply pressure as Callum Sullivan’s snapshot forced Price into another save at full stretch. City then threatened again, with Belmonte’s shot blocked by Nile Timson.

As the half-hour mark approached, both sides looked to find the opener but were met by strong defending. City came close again when Musa Ceesay’s header was gathered by Alvechurch keeper Redmen Evans.

Just before the break, Dugmore fired wide of the far post, ensuring the contest remained goalless at half time.

City had the first chance of the second half when Dan Sweeney’s cross found Liam Lockett at the back post, but his effort was saved by Evans. Moments later, the Alvechurch keeper denied Kobe Chong from close range before also keeping out Chong’s low driven strike at the near post.

City’s best opportunity came in the 74th minute when Jordan Lymn’s cross was headed just over the bar by Ceesay as the pressure grew on the Alvechurch defence.

As the game entered the closing stages, City pushed hard to find a winner. A goalmouth scramble from a set piece nearly provided the breakthrough, but Evans managed to hold on.

City earned a corner in the dying moments, but could not convert, and referee Jack Shepherd blew for full time to confirm a goalless draw at Sixways.

Attention now turns to the Isuzu FA Trophy, with City at home to Northern Premier League Midlands side Rugby Town next weekend. The date and time of the fixture will be confirmed in due course.

Match Report by Harry Wilcox