CARETAKER boss John Snape admits Worcester City face a “tall order” repelling Darlington’s aerial threat at Bromsgrove’s Victoria Ground today (3pm).

After crashing to a 2-0 loss at rock-bottom Altrincham last Saturday Snape expects his players to have “looked at themselves in the mirror”.

And he has demanded they “put on a show” in front of their supporters who have not celebrated a victory in Vanarama National League North since November 12.

However, Snape is well aware of the challenge facing third-from-bottom Worcester as they were thumped 5-1 at Darlington in October.

“Four of the goals we conceded that day were from set-plays as we gave away too many of them and didn’t defend well enough,” he said.

“It will be a tall order as they have got some big guys. But we have got a game-plan for that and hopefully we can keep them out.

“We have highlighted a few weaknesses we think Darlington have got but they are a decent side who narrowly got beaten (3-2) with 10 men (against Harrogate Town) last week.”

A 3-1 victory over Alty on Wednesday saw seventh-placed Darlo move one point behind FC Halifax Town who occupy the final play-off spot.

They will fancy their chances of collecting another three points against Worcester who are on a run of 14 league matches without a win and two points adrift of safety.

City full-back Tyler Weir is back after serving a one-match suspension while young West Bromwich Albion winger Chay Scrivens has overcome a calf injury.

But centre-back Graham Hutchison (knee) and the versatile Tom Rose (tonsillitis), who is on loan from Rotherham United, have both been ruled out.

Snape was left “totally disheartened” last Saturday as Worcester became only the second team to lose to Alty this season.

They also conceded after just nine seconds and Snape has urged his troops to “match” Darlington’s “drive” and “endeavour” from the first whistle.

He said: “After our performance last Saturday I expect the players to have looked at themselves in the mirror and be ready to put on a show at home.

“We have got to keep the ball better and start better but training has been good and we have still got smiles on our faces.

“We have got to play at a tempo against them and match their drive and endeavour and see what rewards that can give us.

“We were disappointed individually and collectively after the Altrincham game.

“But hopefully the players realise where we are and know we have got 11 games to go to get ourselves out of the position we are in.

“It’s another chance to get three points so we will see what we can do.”