A BRACE from Sean Geddes ensured Worcester City’s safe passage through to the next round of the FA Cup with a 3-1 victory over Rugby Town on Saturday (September 27).
The midfielder scored either side of a Jacob Rowe header at Aggborough to put Carl Heeley’s men in the hat for today’s (Monday) Third Qualifying Round draw.
Jamie Towers pulled one back for Town at 2-0, but City made sure there was no repeat of last year’s replay and put the Warwickshire outfit away at the first opportunity.
The Blue and Whites started proceedings on the front foot and Mike Symons was quick to warm the gloves of Nick Bennion before the striker again had his drive denied by Rugby’s stopper.
Both Geddes and Connor Gater went close with efforts as the half drew to a close and Nick Wright thought he had grabbed his first goal since the opening day but had his shot cleared off the line.
Three minutes in to the second period Daniel Nti’s header was denied by a combination of Bennion and post as City piled on the pressure straight from the off.
And just seconds later the pressure told as Geddes curled a delightful effort from the edge of the area which flew past the outstretches Bennion and into the back of the night.
Geddes could have doubled his and Worcester’s tally quickly after but his effort flow just wide.
But just past the hour mark the hosts did get their second of the afternoon when George Williams launched a trademark long throw in the Rugby box and Jacob Rowe – who replaced the injured Wayne Thomas in the first period – rose highest to flick home.
With 15 minutes remaining the visitors got themselves on the scoresheet as Towers drilled home after Nathan Vaughan had kept out Alex Gudger’s initial effort.
In truth the victory was never in doubt and man-of-the-match Geddes thundered home from the edge of the box after 83 minutes to calm the Aggborough faithful.
Substitute Tristian Dunkley had to be stretchered off after landing awkwardly, meaning Worcester had to play the last five minutes with ten men, but Heeley’s side were resolute and held firm to progress to the next round of the famous competition.