MANAGER Carl Heeley insists Worcester City will put up another good fight in tomorrow’s Vanarama National League North derby against second-placed Kidderminster Harriers (3pm).

The Blue and Whites return to Harriers’ Aggborough ground for the first time since ending their three-year stay in April due to an increase in rent.

Sixteenth-placed City showed their defensive credentials in an action-packed 0-0 draw with Harriers in front of 1,869 fans at Bromsgrove’s Victoria Ground on Boxing Day.

Both teams finished with 10 men in the first league meeting between the sides in more than 30 years.

Heeley said: “You could see last Monday the players wanted to match a full-time side from Kidderminster and they did that and that’s down to their desire and drive.

“There will be no change from us.

“We will go there and Harriers will have to break us down and hopefully we will have an opportunity of our own at the other end.

“But, whatever happens, we will give another committed, hard-working, workman-like performance and I can’t ask for anything more.”

Harriers enjoyed more possession in the first match and spent more than 20 minutes with a man advantage after Sam Oji was red-carded for a challenge on James McQuilkin.

Kidderminster also finished a player short after Ryan Croasdale was dismissed for two bookings with 13 minutes remaining.

City will be sweating over the fitness of former Harriers midfielder Danny Jackman (back), who lasted 34 minutes on Boxing Day, winger Micah Evans (calf) and another Kidderminster old boy in centre-half Tom Sharpe (knee).

Worcester were happy with a draw from the derby which leaves them with a five-point cushion over Bradford Park Avenue who occupy the third and final relegation spot.

“I don’t know whether it was a step forward from us in terms of performance because I think it highlighted what we had seen a number of times this season,” said Heeley.

“We are a team who work very hard and give their lot to each other. Those are great traits to have.

“We have been on the end of losing those sort of games narrowly so from a results point of view it was a step forward for us and we were happy.

“We have to pick up points where we can because it is an incredibly tough league and we’re coming up against some very tough sides.

“If you look at this league with the clubs going full-time and the benefits that brings, it is going to be tough for the part-time sides.”

Heeley admits City are looking forward to returning to Aggborough but have not thought too much about it.

“We enjoyed our time there and were very grateful to Kidderminster because they were great landlords and we made some friends,” added Heeley.

“We know the surroundings, that it is a great surface and I am sure it will be another decent atmosphere.”