SUPER BLUES’ DREAM ALIVE
City not thinking of Wembley just yet
DERBY-DAY victor Chris Cornes admits he isn’t thinking of Wembley, despite a thumping last-16 triumph that puts Worcester City two games from a showpiece final.
It was testament to the visitors that the contest became a non-event by the hour mark with the Blues cruising, on an afternoon where Worcester extended their remarkable unbeaten streak to 18 games.
Undefeated since mid-November, the City boss maintains his feet are firmly on the ground, prioritising league success over cup-final appearances.
“I don’t think anyone can be favourites,” said a delighted Cornes.
“We’re on the crest of a wave, we’re flying and long may that continue.
“It was never a priority of mine to win or get close in the Vase because we prioritise getting out of this league and being up there towards the end of the season.”
And with dominant debutant Chris Knight starring in the City backline, Cornes pointed to the club’s recruitment and playing identity as factors in their remarkable term thus far.
“He’s played at the level above and the level above that, you know you can trust him and we’re a footballing side, he knows anyone can get the ball and be comfortable with it,” insisted the 37-yearold.
“With the group of players we’ve got, we’ve got a plan A, B and C – many teams don’t have that.
“The lads know how good we are, they know it could be a very good season whatever happens.”
Midweek fears of an abandonment due to a waterlogged pitch were long gone come 3pm, with the party atmosphere rife and the City faithful packed to the rafters for this Walshes Meadow sellout.
Worcester’s effervescent Liam Lockett was a particular livewire, drawing a strong save from Jamie Emery with a powerful drive, while Jamie Meddows side-footed over from a prime position down the other end.
Bodies on the line were the order of the day, and they did not come anymore obvious than Knight’s superb lunge to deny Meddows.
Such commitment would lead to Worcester’s 25th-minute opener, a superb angled header from the imposing Kirk Layton into the far corner from Adam Mace’s delivery.
On 40 minutes, Insall nudged home yet another Mace corner, before Kyle
Belmonte’s sinking stoppage-time effort put the cherry on the top of the first-half cake.
While an expected second-half lull followed, Belmonte’s thunderous finish on 59 minutes and Lockett’s bundled effort four minutes later ruled Ben Tilbury’s first-time strike a mere consolation two minutes from time. STAR MAN: Kyle Belmonte (Worcester City)
ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★