JOINT boss John Snape admits he will be treating Worcester City’s clash with Worcester Raiders at Claines Lane tomorrow night (7.15pm) as a “fitness exercise” despite the significance of the friendly.

Snape insists he is hoping to put on a “good show” for the supporters who have waited four years to see exiled City play in Worcester.

But with the match sandwiched between a visit to Pershore Town on Saturday and a Worcestershire FA Senior Cup semi-final at Evesham United on Wednesday City are unlikely to field a full-strength side against Raiders.

“Obviously it is the middle game in a five-day period of three matches so we are going to go with a mixed team,” Snape said.

“I think everybody is hoping for a big turnout but that’s not the idea of the game.

"The match is to help with the fitness of both sides to get ready for the start of the season. It will be a fitness exercise.

“But if we can put on a good show and people come out and show their support then it will send good messages for the coming season.”

He added: “We are wary of the minutes people are playing but when we come to the Kidderminster game and the Halesowen match people will be going for the full 90 minutes.

“In the meantime we will be using the squad and trialists to make sure everybody gets a fair crack of the whip.”

Snape said he was also delighted to see defender Shab Khan, who is on trial, and returning midfielder Matt Birley get minutes under their belts in their opening pre-season fixtures.

“The squad is taking shape and there are a few we are looking at on trial,” Snape said.

“Shab and Matt have been improving their fitness having both come back to the club and they’ll be getting more minutes.”