Heeley in plea to City's supporters (From Worcester News)

Heeley in plea to City's supporters

10:10am Monday 8th October 2012 in Sport By Steve Carley, @stevecarleyWN

CARL Heeley has called on Worcester City fans to turn out in their droves for tonight’s FA Cup third qualifying round replay against Weston-super-Mare (7.45).

The City manager described the travelling support for last Saturday’s 1-1 draw, in which Worcester fans made up the majority of the crowd, as outstanding and he wants more of the same at St George's Lane.

He said: “Our supporters stuck with us at 1-0 down and with 10 men, they kept singing and encouraging us. They helped us through and you need them.

“They’re massively important so I say well done to them because they were outstanding. We appreciate the support and when they stick with us they’re a weapon. They gave us a major lift and it doesn’t go unnoticed.

“Now it would great for them to come out tonight and hopefully we can finish the job off.”

Tonight will be the first time City have played at home in the FA Cup since a replay at the same stage of the competition against Telford United three years ago, which they lost 1-0.

Both teams, chasing a £7,500 winners’ cheque, will also know their potential fourth qualifying round opponents as the draw takes place later today.

But Heeley reckons his players deserved another crack at the Seagulls, following their display in north Somerset, and has faith in their ability.

He said: “In the FA Cup, it’s about winning the tie and we wanted to win on Saturday but the worst case was we didn’t lose the game and we got a second bite of the cherry.

“It was away from home and if the only way we were going to get a home draw was to get a replay then so be it.

“We’ll know the draw before the game is over but we’ve got a job to do. It’s another tough game and by no means over yet but we have got a great opportunity to win the game and we believe in ourselves.”

Charlie Reece is available for the match as the suspension for the midfielder’s red card, likely to be one game, does not come into effect until Saturday, October 20.

Keeper Matt Sargeant could keep his place because Glyn Thompson (thigh strain) was only fit enough for the bench at the weekend and remains a doubt.