JOINT-boss John Snape insisted Worcester City would have “no excuses” for allowing complacency to creep in ahead of tomorrow’s FA Vase date with Sherwood Colliery (3pm).

City’s pairing with the Central Midlands League outfit, which reformed less than a decade ago, provides the ultimate Dave-versus-Goliath tie of the first round.

Snape admitted Colliery, unbeaten in a division two levels below Worcester’s, would have “nothing to lose” and tasked his troops with maintaining their focus in order to avoid a banana skin.

“There is plenty of food for thought on the opposition,” said Snape. “They come with nothing to lose and have been going very well in the league, it all makes for a very competitive game.

“We know they keep their shape well, look for the front two and play with a lot of confidence going forward.

“There is no room for complacency, we have prepared properly so there are no excuses.

“The ambition and target is to get to that final and to win it but that is the dream for many teams and a lot of clubs have this competition as their focus.

“We don’t want to put any undue pressure on ourselves and have been looking forward to it.”

Captain Brad Birch, who played through the pain barrier against South Normanton Athletic last weekend, should be fit to play with Mat Birley available again after a head injury.

Striker Mark Danks and defender Wayne Thomas are suspended but returning midfielder or defender George Forsyth is expected to play a part.

The victors receive £825 in winnings and will be six stages from the Wembley showpiece while the losers pick up £275 as a consolation prize.