FORWARD Jordan Murphy has vowed to put Gloucester City “to the sword” in a bid to give Worcester City’s fans reason to cheer tomorrow night (7.45pm).

City have claimed just one point from their opening three games in Vanarama National League North, having drawn 2-2 with Harrogate Town, lost 1-0 at Tamworth and suffered a 3-0 thrashing at FC Halifax Town last Saturday.

Murphy, who has featured in their opening three games, believes City have yet to show what they are capable of producing.

And the former Walsall player insists they are determined to bounce back with a bumper victory against local rivals Gloucester at Bromsgrove’s Victoria Ground.

“It is a massive game as it is a chance for us to give the fans something to be excited about,” the 20-year-old said.

“After two away games, it is a chance for us to get on our home pitch and just put someone to the sword and show fans what we can do.

“All the lads are looking forward to it now. We have put this (the defeat to Halifax) behind us and we are going to focus firmly on tomorrow night’s game.”

Lee Hughes and Cieron Keane saw red at the Shay Stadium and Murphy says City, who had 12 dismissals to their name last season, need to cut that out.

“We should have kept all our players on the pitch (at Halifax),” he said.

“As a team, we should have been a lot more disciplined and worked together a bit better.”

Gloucester, meanwhile, will be buoyed by their 4-1 victory over Gainsborough Trinity last weekend and have won eight of their last nine meetings with City.

But manager Carl Heeley is adamant his side will have “more desire” than the Tigers to win the derby.

“Gloucester won’t be easy,” Heeley said.

“We have had a number of battles over the years against them and they have probably come out on top.

“But they cannot come to Bromsgrove and have more desire than us to win a game of football.”

Experienced striker Steven Craig made his debut for City against Halifax after receiving his international clearance and Heeley was “really hopeful” defender Sam Oji would also be available.

“Sam’s experience and know-how is what we need as it is clear where we are a bit short,” said Heeley, who is also waiting for pacey winger Nathan Olukanmi to receive his international clearance.

Full-back Tyler Weir (ankle), midfielder Connor Gater (toe) and centre-half Kieran Morris (hand) are nursing injuries.

Heeley added: “Tyler trained very lightly on Thursday evening, so hopefully he will be available soon.

“The Gloucester game may be too soon but he could well be available on Saturday (against FC United of Manchester).”

Hughes and Keane will not serve their bans until the weekend with the experienced former expected to face a three-match suspension for violent conduct.