TOUGH-tackling John Snape made his mark on adversary Richard Evans on the pitch many moons ago – and plans to be just as uncompromising this time.

Snape takes Worcester City to Romulus, managed by Evans, for a second for a second Midland Football League Premier Division away day inside little more than 48 hours tonight (7.45).

They have stayed in touch over the years after facing each other in their Southern League Premier Division playing careers, sharing a chuckle over one particular Snape-influenced moment.

But after being downed by another of his old muckers in Saturday’s 3-2 opening-day defeat at Boldmere St Michaels, Snape has no intention of letting City be so generous again.

“I remember one game at Halesowen when Evo played for Moor Green. He kicked off and I went straight through him,” said Snape.

“He got carried off and the shout from the crowd was ‘well done, Evo. That’s the best game you’ve had for the club’.

“We still joke about it now and remain good friends, much like with Stuart Grosvenor (Boldmere manager).

“It was hard for me to take, getting beaten by a pal on Saturday and in all seriousness I don’t want it to happen again.

“Romulus will be a tough nut to crack, they came down last season and I know Evo always has his sides ready and up for it. We had someone watch them on Saturday and will prepare as best as we can.”

City head to Castle Vale, Birmingham, nursing several injuries.

Defender or midfielder George Forsyth is unlikely to recover in time from a knee complaint, striker Nick Turton remains a couple of weeks away from returning to training and Kyonn Evans is also set to miss a fortnight.

Snape is hopeful player-coach Mat Birley will be back with Jordan Stoddart likely to overcome a knock picked up on Saturday.

However, the ankle problem picked up by new recruit Ben Clarke on Saturday is likely to add to Worcester’s midfield conundrum.

“Ben has been struggling with his fitness and it may be that his ankle got caught as a result. I think he will be struggling for this one,” said Snape.

“We have some young lads in there. That little bit of experience was maybe lacking in the middle of the park on Saturday but they are teenagers and we should be proud of bringing them through the youth system.

“They ran their guts out from start to finish and that learning curve is not only for the players but for everyone.

"We want to be patient and bring through these boys but to be successful we realise we will need to dip them in and out.”