WORCESTERSHIRE are in need of more heroics against Leicestershire after the visitors pushed strongly for a revenge victory going into the final day.

Opener Paul Horton and skipper Mark Cosgrove helped them into a stealthy position at New Road in County Championship Division Two.

Horton had endured a lean time since scoring 89 in the loss to the County at Grace Road last month when Leicestershire were skittled for 43 in their second innings.

But the former Lancashire player returned to form after his side were held up by all-rounder Joe Leach and the County lower order.

He was well supported by Cosgrove as the duo brought up a century stand for the third wicket in 28 overs.

Horton brought up his fifth score of 50 or more of the campaign off 103 balls with seven fours, while Cosgrove's half-century came from 98 deliveries with nine boundaries.

By the close, the Foxes moved onto 172-2 with Horton on 75 and Cosgrove 58 for a lead of 230.

Leicestershire only obtained a first-innings advantage of 58 after the County resumed on 193-7 still needing a further 65 to avoid possibly being asked to follow on.

But the first part of the day was dominated by Leach, who fell 10 short of his first Championship century since his maiden ton against Gloucestershire at Cheltenham three years ago.

Leach was then regarded as a batting all-rounder but his bowling skills have come to the fore with 121 wickets in the competition since the start of the 2014 campaign.

He has dropped down the order but can bale out the side when in a sticky situation.

Leach was given fine support by former England under 19s all-rounder Ed Barnard.

The eighth-wicket pair added 100 in 21.4 overs and the hosts ended up with three batting points.

Cosgrove broke the stand when Barnard (42) was caught at mid-wicket off a low full toss.

But Leach attacked until he flicked a Clint McKay delivery straight into the hands of deep fine leg. His 104-ball knock contained 13 boundaries.

McKay finished with 4-52 after he wrapped up the innings by having Kyle Abbott (5) caught at slip.

Leach's excellent day continued when Angus Robson (15) slashed a delivery to point and Neil Dexter (two) was brilliantly stumped by Ben Cox.

But then Robson and Cosgrove established firm control for the visitors to push for a third Championship win of the campaign.