Matt Mason believes Worcestershire are "still in a strong position" after a day of fluctuating fortunes against Durham in the LV = County Championship at New Road.
Worcestershire dominated the first half of the day and their three seamers reduced Durham to 103-9 – still 220 behind the home side's first innings total of 220.
Durham struck back via a last wicket stand of 95 between centurion Scott Borthwick and Graham Onions and then picked up six Worcestershire wickets for 65.
But Worcestershire still hold a lead of 190 and will hope the in-form Ben Cox and the remaining batsmen can extend that advantage on the third morning.
Bowling coach and assistant coach Mason said: "What a strange day. At one point there when we got that ninth wicket I thought 'you beauty' and we're in a position here to maybe force the follow on.
"We were in a really strong position but I thought their last wicket stand was terrific.
"To be fair to our seamers, I thought they threw everything they could at them and hats off to the opposition.
"But we ended up with a 125 lead which we would have taken at the start of the game.
"Obviously those wickets tonight have rocked us a bit and put us a bit on the back but let's remember we are still 190 runs in front and still have four wickets in hand so we are still in a strong position.
"The new ball in particular has definitely seamed around a bit and as time goes on, it gets a little bit easier to bat.
"They found that out as well with their top order and we found it second innings.
"But we've got to remember we've got four wickets in hand and two batsmen at the crease (Cox and Joe Leach) who can go on and give us that lead we probably need to win the game and we musn't get down too much.
"There is still a lot to play for and we must be positive with our position. If we can get 250 plus in front I think we'd fancy our chances there.
"The guys are bowling with great discipline, they are confident with the ball. I think anything above that would be a very handy lead on this wicket."
Mason was full of praise for Leach and Jack Shantry, who picked up four wickets each, and Charlie Morris who weighed in with two more victims.
He said: "They work tirelessly, they have this season already, and we are only five or six games in. They have done a lot of work already.
"That happens when you are a three seam attack but hats off to them.
"They have been brilliant this year and I can't ask anymore of the lads. They just keep coming and coming and that's all you want as a coach."
