STRIKER Mark Owen and midfielder John Snape are to get run-outs for Worcester City's reserves tonight in a bid to boost their fitness ahead of Saturday's Nationwide North clash at Lancaster City, writes Gary York.

Both players will take to the field in the Worcestershire Senior Urn second round tie at Bromsgrove Rovers in a bid to stake their claim for a starting spot at Lancaster.

Neither have yet to convince manager John Barton that they are 100 per cent fit, but tonight's fixture at the Victoria Ground provides ideal preparation to get their match-sharpness back.

Owen has made three consecutive substitute appearances for City, against Stalybridge, Kettering and Runcorn, on his return from his second injury shocker of the season.

The 27-year-old was sidelined for a month after cracking three ribs when clashing into a pitch-side hoarding during the National Conference Cup victory over Stafford Rangers on November 1.

He missed the first two months of the campaign after damaging his right knee in City's pre-season friendly defeat at Halesowen.

Player-coach Snape, who became a father for the first time two weeks ago, has not started a fixture for City since the 3-0 FA Trophy win over Chippenham Town on November 6. He was suspended for three games following the trophy victory and has since struggled with fitness.

Bromsgrove Rovers' reward for dumping City out of the Worcestershire FA Senior Cup last month is a semi-final trip to either Evesham United or Studley on Wednesday, February 16.

In the other semi-final, Redditch United host Kidderminster Harriers or Halesowen Town.