City facing toughest test so far says Heeley (From Worcester News)

City facing toughest test so far says Heeley

8:30am Friday 3rd September 2010 in

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MANAGER Carl Heeley feels tomorrow’s clash against Nuneaton Town will be Worcester City’s toughest yet.

City have enjoyed a positive start to life back in Blue Square Bet North, although they only took one point from the bank holiday matches with Stafford Rangers and Solihull Moors.

Nuneaton have also adapted quickly following their promotion from the Zamaretto League Premier Division, their second elevation in two years, despite losing 4-1 at Telford on Monday.

City are just one place lower in eighth in the fledgling table but Heeley believes Nuneaton’s rapid rise since reforming in the wake of liquidation in June 2008 will hold them in good stead.

A large crowd is also anticipated for the St George’s Lane match (3pm) as Worcester look to better the 886 that turned up for the Solihull clash.

Heeley said: “The positive thing about going back in the north division was we would have a lot of local derbies and Nuneaton is another one of them.

“They have settled into this level of football which doesn’t surprise me. Nuneaton have got a huge amount of momentum with back-to-back promotions.

“I’m sure their aspirations are to get in the play-offs this season so we know they’re going to provide tough opposition for us.

“They haven’t made many changes over the last three years and the benefits of that are there to be seen.

“It’s what we are striving to do — to get a settled side and then look for areas we can improve.

“Nuneaton have done that and are familiar with each other. They have also added some experience and quality to their side over the summer and I think it will be our toughest fixture to date.

“But, if we’re on our game, we can give anybody a match and I think we’ve proved that, so we’ll dust ourselves down and get on another run.”

With left-back Shabir Khan (knee) and centre-half Rob Elvins (broken foot) both out, Heeley hopes Tom Evans is fit to return alongside Mark Clyde after suffering a knee problem against Solihull.

Other centre-half options could see striker Marc McGregor drop back, following his 20-minute cameo in place of Evans on Monday, or captain Graham Ward moving across and Neil Cartwright being used at right-back.

Heeley, who has also made enquiries about drafting in temporary cover, added: “I spoke to Tom and he’s got some discomfort but we are hopeful he will be OK.”