BOSS Darren Worthington pulled no punches after Tenbury Town’s title hopes were dealt a sizeable blow by a 4-1 defeat to direct rivals Hereford City.

The Herefordshire League Division One leaders were off the pace at Brimfield & Little Hereford Sports Ground but still managed to take a second-half lead through substitute Toby Gittens before collapsing.

Worthington, whose side went into the top-of-the-table clash six points clear of second-placed City, said his charges “didn’t work hard enough” and insisted “more effort” would be required to achieve their goal of being crowned champions.

“Although it was an evenly-contested first half, there were signs we were suffering from the two-week festive break,” said Worthington.

“We were off the pace and not competitive. The players didn't work hard enough and as much as it pains me to say it, Hereford City were up for it more than us physically.

“They had a few different players from when we beat them just before Christmas and that made a difference, particularly to their fitness levels which were better.”

Town’s bright start to the second half was quickly rewarded as Gittens converted at the far post after Dec Bright had skipped his way into the box and centred for his unmarked team-mate to finish with aplomb.

But the lead lasted just one minute as Tenbury paid the price for some slack marking, leaving an opponent free to shoot. Keeper Jack Moran got a hand to the effort, but it agonisingly trickled over the line.

The visitors’ second then knocked the stuffing out of Town and with legs tiring, they were picked off with two further goals during the latter stages.

“Our heads had dropped and we lost our way,” admitted Worthington.

“We lacked ideas which led to us overplaying and going route one to try to get back into the match. Hereford City were the better side on the day and deserved to win.

“This is a bit of a knock-back but we will have to move on and forget it. More effort is needed if we want to achieve our goal of winning the title.”

Tenbury’s advantage over third-placed Kington Town Reserves is 11 points, albeit from an extra game played, but their ability to keep City at bay will be tested over the next two weeks with a double header against Wellington Colts.

Had it not been for the loss of six league points, three each for failing to fulfil fixtures in September, Colts would have been within six points of Town with two games in hand.

Town travel to Wellington Playing Fields on Saturday (2pm).