WORCESTER City face another stern examination of their credentials as they head to big-spending Barrow tomorrow (3pm).

Having recorded their first win of the season last Saturday with a 2-1 victory against North Ferriby United, the Blue and Whites now take on the team who replaced the Villagers at the summit.

Holker Street has proved a happy hunting-ground for City in recent times, with the Daniel Nti-inspired 1-0 win in March their third success in four visits.

Barrow, however, splashed the cash in the summer under new owner Paul Casson, and have brought in the likes of former Carlisle defender Danny Livesey, ex-Macclesfield midfielder Izak Reid and striker Anthony Wilson, who scored 20 goals for North Ferriby last term.

But manager Carl Heeley has also strengthened his City squad, and reckons they are capable of giving Barrow a run for their money.

He said: “Out of our first seven fixtures, three will have been against the current leaders at that point in time with Guiseley, North Ferriby and now Barrow.

“We are certainly getting tested and it’s no secret that Barrow have had huge investment in the club and have signed some very good players.

“It will be a good side that finishes above them, in my opinion.

“It’s going to be a very tough game but we have proved we can be resilient and can mix it with the best sides.

“The result last season was commendable, given Barrow’s run at the time, but it doesn’t have a bearing on this season.

“They are stronger than they were but so are we. It’s another season and another game but we go there with optimism.”

Heeley will be hoping to name the same side that came from behind to beat North Ferriby at Aggborough last weekend with two second-half penalties from Nti. Centre-half Wayne Thomas needed treatment following a clash of heads during that match and will have a fitness test ahead of the Cumbria fixture.

Heeley added: “We will have to assess him late on but the players’ health is the most important thing.”