WORCESTER City take their first step towards the new campaign tomorrow as they kick-off their pre-season programme with two matches.

The Blue and Whites have been in training for more than a week but are preparing to get minutes under their belts with just four weeks to go until the start of the Conference North campaign.

City travel to Birmingham City’s Wast Hills training base tomorrow morning for a behind-closed-doors contest against the Blues’ development squad.

In the afternoon, they take a team to Midland League Premier Division side Coventry Sphinx (3pm).

It will be the first opportunity manager Carl Heeley and assistant Matt Gardiner have had to run the rule over players outside of a training environment.

City will mix their players up across the two fixtures, giving game-time to squad players and trialists.

Among those hoping to create an impression will be former Nuneaton midfielder Phil Trainer, centre-half Jacob Rowe and utility player Connor Gater. Striker Daniel Nti has been on trial at Nuneaton and it is not clear whether he will be involved for Worcester this weekend.

Some of the club’s youth team have been at pre-season training, including striker James Lemon, left-back Jamie Smith and midfielder Max Crisp.

Lemon was on the scoresheet when City defeated Coventry Sphinx 4-0 in the FA Cup second qualifying round last season.

Meanwhile, Kidderminster Harriers visit Stratford Town (3pm) for their third friendly of the warm-up campaign.

A youthful Harriers side lost 2-0 at Littleton last Saturday before the majority of the first team got a run-out in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw at Solihull Moors.

Several trialists were involved against Solihull and they could again feature at the DCS Stadium.

Released Birmingham City academy forward Reece Hales, who had a spell with Worcester on loan, and former Hinckley defender David Kalonji are among those hoping to impress.

Ex-Harrier David McDermott played against Solihull but he is not expected to re-sign at Aggborough. Evesham United face their second League Two opponents in four days tomorrow when they host Cheltenham Town (3pm).

The Robins were beaten 4-2 by Newport County at the Spiers and Hartwell Jubilee Stadium on Tuesday.

Malvern Town begin pre-season friendlies tomorrow when they host Causeway United at the HDanywhere Community Stadium (3pm).