PERSHORE Town manager Lewis Marston admitted his side "lacked desire" in Tuesday night's 2-0 defeat at Worcester City.

The Plums went into the game unbeaten after three wins from their opening five league games in the Hellenic Premier, but were largely second-best to a strong City side. 

Liam Lockett scored twice in the final five minutes of the first-half and the visitors never really recovered, and were perhaps lucky to escape with just a 2-0 loss.

"Without even playing well in the first-half, we have created four or five chances," said Marston.

"But if we gave them those chances, we'd probably come in at half-time 5-0 down. 

"Second half they could have probably run away with it. They were by far the better team, we dropped off and didn't play anything near what we are capable of and overall it was a below-par performance with the standards we have set so far this season."

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Over 900 were in attendance for the first-ever league meeting between the two Worcestershire sides and Marston suggested that may have played a part in Pershore's disappointing performance.

Evesham Journal: 912 supporters packed into Claines Lane on Tuesday night912 supporters packed into Claines Lane on Tuesday night (Image: Newsquest)

"The occasion, the atmosphere, I think we lacked desire at times which is not a nice thing to say," he added.

"The first-half, to be 2-0 down was maybe a little harsh on us but second-half was not good enough.

"Worcester are a good side and we went toe to toe with them in the first half but second half we rolled over and gave them too much respect.

"But the positives are that we didn't play very well and still created chances. We take one or two of those and it's a different game. 

"No doubt tonight was a reality check for us but we have to get ready for Saturday, it's a short turnaround."

Pershore host Roman Glass St George this weekend at 3PM.