Saints bow out as City make it count late on

Two second half goals from former Saint Ebby Nelson-Addy and Tyler Weir proved decisive.

It was a game of few chances but both sides set out to play passing football. An absorbing tie for the spectators, the outcome was always in the balance but the visitors made the key moments count and ultimately earned their place in the draw.

The squally conditions that played a big part in the tie at St James Park were not a factor in the breakthrough moment on the hour when Nelson-Addy put his side in front. Allowed to run too far without challenge the former Saints’ player, on-loan from Hartlepool United, finished clinically.

Substitute Tom Winters came closest to breaching The Royals’ defence with a 78th minute shot that hit the post. Earlier, Worcester were thwarted when Daniel Nti was one on one with keeper Sam Hornby who saved.

Saints had bright moments too as when Steve Diggin turned fullback Sam Minihan inside out before curling his shot just over and when David Moyo’s header looped over after Stephan Morley’s long pass.

Late on ex-West Bromwich Albion striker Lee Hughes failed to convert a good chance as a long free-kick fell to him as the wind gusted but then left-back Weir sealed City’s place in the next round firing home in the 88th minute.

“The game turned on a couple of key moments,” said Saints manager Kevin Wilkin after the game.

“It was always likely to turn on the first goal and so it proved. We are disappointed to concede the first goal allowing the player to travel too far with the ball but we kept working and some of our passing was good again today.

“Tom Winters hit the post and we needed that to go in. We didn’t quite have the cutting edge today.”