City aim to build momentum (From Worcester News)

City aim to build momentum

10:00am Friday 18th January 2013 in Sport By Steve Carley, @stevecarleyWN

GATHERING momentum in pursuit of the play-offs is the key for Worcester City at Bishop’s Stortford tomorrow (3pm).

Carl Heeley’s sixth-placed side head to the Hertfordshire strugglers, weather permitting, bidding to go three games unbeaten in Blue Square Bet North for the first time since October.

With only six points between Gainsborough Trinity in fourth and Harrogate Town in 13th, victory for City at Woodside Park could help wrestle the initiative in the race for the top five.

The Worcester manager said: “We won’t take anything for granted but we are good enough to go there and win the game.

“Anybody who can string a run together can shoot up the table and that also applies to Bishop’s Stortford.

“We are looking to get some momentum. It’s about going on a winning streak or not losing games and the longer you can do that, the more the confidence builds in the camp.”

City also seek a third successive clean sheet following last Saturday’s 0-0 stalemate against Altrincham at St George’s Lane and the 3-0 victory at Colwyn Bay.

Heeley continued: “We would like to have nicked the game against Altrincham and, on reflection, we had quite a few more chances to score than them but didn’t take one.

“We have gone two matches unbeaten following two disappointing results against Gloucester so that’s positive and we want to continue that.”

Although central defender Jacob Rowe was fit enough to be a substitute against Altrincham, Lee Ayres could keep his place alongside skipper Stuart Whitehead following an assured display.

With strength in depth in that area, City’s interest in bringing Birmingham City teenager Graham Hutchison back on loan has cooled but they are still keeping tabs on the player.

Shabir Khan remains on loan at Halesowen Town but he is nursing a minor knee injury following a training session.

Former Hereford United midfielder Ashley Sammons, who started in the New Year’s Day defeat at Gloucester City, continues to train with the squad but City are unable to pay him.

Heeley said: “Ashley’s happy to keep training with us and we are happy to keep him involved. I am really impressed with his attitude.”

Bishops, whose game at Halifax was postponed last Tuesday due to a frozen pitch, are three points above the relegation zone and have only won one of their last six league matches.