RUNAWAY leaders Redditch United will be gunning for the scalp of their more illustrious rivals Worcester City tonight (7.45).

The two sides meet in the quarter-finals of the Worcestershire Senior Cup at St George's Lane with Rod Brown's in-form team 10 points clear at the top of the Dr Martens League Western Division.

John Barton's team, who bounced back to winning form with a 4-0 victory at Newport County on Saturday, are set for a stern test from Brown's team who have lost just twice in the league and scored 53 goals.

City's boss will be forced to make changes with left-back Paul Carty out after sustaining a badly bruised ankle at the weekend.

Allan Davies is expected to switch from right-back with Jon Holloway set to make his first City start for three months although there is still concern over the defender's groin problem.

Meanwhile, skipper Carl Heeley admits Barton's decision to transfer-list Darren Middleton has kept City's players on their toes.

Despite the impressive nature of their victory at Newport, which lifted City to eighth in the Dr Martens Premier Division, Heeley insists Worcester can't afford to relax.

"No one can afford to rest on their laurels because the next person on the list could be you, so it does have a positive effect on people," said Heeley.

"It only happened on Thursday evening so we haven't had time to reflect too much but hopefully we will get a response from Darren as well.

"Being put on the transfer list worked positively for Paul Carty a few years ago and gave him the kick up the backside it was intended to and let's hope the same thing happens again."

Meanwhile Heeley singled out City's commitment as the decisive factor at Newport and said it was a vital win.

"From one to 11 we were outstanding, every player was committed, we stuck together and that's the reward we got.

"It was a crucial win. We thought we deserved something out of last week's game at Dover and we've taken that commitment and desire to Newport," said Heeley.