MANAGER Carl Heeley paid tribute to the work ethic of his Worcester City players following the 2-1 victory over Lowestoft Town.

The Blue and Whites recorded their second victory of the season with goals from debutant Sean Geddes and Daniel Nti at Aggborough.

But the hosts had to play more than half an hour of the first-half and the first seven minutes of the second with 10 men after captain Ellis Deeney was sent off before Robert Eagle was also dismissed for Lowestoft.

Heeley said: “After 15 minutes, when we were down to 10 men, it looked like it was going to be an uphill battle for us but that’s when you need your character and togetherness in the squad.

“I wasn’t overly worried because they’re a fit bunch of lads. We kept the ball everso well and even with 10 men I thought we probably had more possession and still looked the better side.

“To single people out would be unfair because every one of them to a man has put every ounce of effort into that.

“When we were playing against the extra man for 45 minutes, to still play at a tempo that they were struggling to cope with, and create opportunities, is testament to what a good set of lads we’ve got and how hard they work for each other.

“I think it would have been a travesty if we hadn’t have won the game because I thought we thoroughly deserved it.”

Deeney was shown a red card by referee Daniel Meeson for a two-footed challenge on Lowestoft midfielder Ross Jarvis and now faces a three-match ban.

The City boss added: “I thought it was unlucky. He over touched the ball and tried to retrieve it.

“I know the players better than anybody and he’s not malicious. It wasn’t two-footed and his feet were quite low but some you get and some you don’t. It’s gone against us so no complaints.”

Geddes, who joined the club for a nominal fee, marked his debut by heading the 37th-minute opener, having earlier also hit the side-netting with a third-minute effort.

Heeley said: “He’s scored 60 goals in the last three seasons, he’s got a knack of getting in the box at the right time and it was great ball in from Connor Gater.

“Stourbridge’s loss is Worcester’s gain because he’s got a super pedigree and once he adjusts to the pace and the level and gets bit fitter, which he needs to do, we’ve got a hell of a player on our hands.”