WORCESTER City have targeted a defender who plies his trade at a higher level to replace the departed Tom Fishwick.

With centre-half Fishwick returning to former club and fellow promotion chasers Coleshill Town, joint-boss John Snape is seeking reinforcements to his backline and could have a fresh face to call upon for tomorrow’s home clash with Haughmond (3pm).

Snape’s options will be boosted by the return of Wayne Thomas from the suspension he picked up for being red carded during his City return against South Normanton Athletic last month.

However, the club have approaches in for further options.

“We are looking to add more quality and competition for places in the backline, particularly on the back of losing one of our defenders,” confirmed Snape.

Shrewsbury-based Haughmond have had a mixed start to life in the Midland League Premier Division following their West Midlands League title triumph last term.

They travel to the Victoria Ground in 16th place to face a City side who have regained some composure over the past fortnight to make it four matches without defeat.

Snape had Haughmond’s 1-0 League Cup defeat at home to Coleshill watched on Tuesday and acknowledged his side would again have it all on to secure the win Worcester’s support expects. 

“From the feedback I received, Haughmond were very unlucky. They play good football so we won’t have an easy time of it,” said Snape.

“There is always pressure on us to win and win well but so far our home record has stood up to the challenge.

“Had we kept 11 men on the pitch in a few of the games then recent results might have been different or more comfortable but that has been addressed.

“We have kept 11 men on the pitch in the past two games and with the disciplinary things we have discussed in the dressing room I expect it to stay that way.”

The fitness of striker Mark Danks remains in the balance due to a thigh strain with top scorer Dave Reynolds definitely out due to a one-match ban picked up for five bookings.

Midfielder Mat Birley has a slight hamstring strain that could affect his participation.