JOINT-boss John Snape confirmed Worcester City would look to recruit a more experienced goalkeeper to challenge Matt Gwynne.

Following last week’s decision not to renew Tom Palmer’s loan from Kidderminster Harriers, City have been left with Gwynne and teenage rookie Sean Dayus as their options between the sticks.

Due to his contract at Harriers, Palmer was not eligible for FA Vase duty but Gwynne has been unable to cement his place in the starting XI this season, twice relinquishing the gloves.

The ex-Westfields stopper lacked surety during Saturday’s 4-3 Vase success over Sherwood Colliery with Snape keen to help him to progress as well as aid the team.

“We want to create competition for places with Matt Gwynne because we have to stem the flow of goals,” said Snape.

“That is not me blaming the keepers but we do have to tighten up across the board.

"Tom has gone back to Kidderminster and we thank him for his efforts during his time with us but maybe a more experience keeper would be of benefit to Gwynny and the club in general.

“We will be looking in the near future but for now, Gwynny is our number one and it is up to him to nail down his position and help us to stop the goals going in.”

Snape could bring in an outfield player to boost numbers ahead of tonight’s trip to third-placed Sporting Khalsa, who leapfrogged City in the Midland League Premier Division on Saturday by beating leaders Coleshill Town.

Mark Danks and Wayne Thomas miss out through suspension with Mat Birley (calf), Aaron Griffiths (hamstring) and Jamie Smith (head) facing late fitness tests. Alex Tomkinson is available again after being cup tied.

Captain Brad Birch’s four-match suspension for Saturday’s red card against Sherwood Colliery does not kick in until the weekend but Snape warned the legacy of that dismissal could prove telling.

“It does not help us in midweek,” he added. “We face a Sporting Khalsa side that is physical and has a lot of pace as well as a manager that knows the level inside out.

“We have to be right in games like these and us having to play with 10 for so long on Saturday makes it a tall order.

“It will be a tough one again, no question, but we will be up for it and we are boosted by the fact we reached the next round of the FA Vase.

“Saturday was a character-building experience and we got through. It was entertaining all the way and a few of them put a good shift in so we should go into it in good spirits.”