WORCESTER C 1 SALFORD C 2 WORCESTER IN TROUBLE AS AMMIES STRIKE LATE

THE RELEGATION battle will go down to the wire after Worcester City suffered an agonising late defeat to play-off chasing Salford City.

Substitute Nicholas Haughton struck with four minutes left to secure a valuable victory for Salford, who spent the second half with ten men after James Poole saw red.

The result meant City replace Gainsborough Trinity in the drop zone, slipping one point behind their rivals with one game remaining.

Salford created the first chance as Nathan Vaughan palmed away Simon Grand’s header on 11 minutes. Moments later, City went close as Junior English’s looping effort hit the crossbar.

But the visitors were posing more problems and the pressure told on 36 minutes. Michael Nottingham’s delivery fell to Mike Phenix, who fired home from six yards.

Salford were on top, but suffered a blow before the break when Poole received a second yellow card for needlessly kicking the ball away.

City sensed an opportunity and seized their chance shy of the hour. Tom Sharpe’s pinpoint cross was headed beyond Jay Lynch by Jordan Murphy.

Vaughan turned behind a Sam Walker free-kick before English missed a glorious chance. And with time running out, Haughton netted the winner.

STAR MAN: Jordan Hulme (Salford City) ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★