BRAD Birch reckons the steadying influence of George Forsyth can help Worcester City to unleash the full force of their midfield power.

City head into today’s home showdown with Midland League Premier Division promotion rivals Sporting Khalsa (3pm) on the back of one of their brightest displays of the season at Westfields on Wednesday.

The 4-2 victory, earned despite trailing twice, was produced in spite of bosses John Snape and Lee Hughes implementing a largely untried 4-1-3-2 system.

Forsyth sat in front of the back four, freeing up Birch, Nathan Hayward and Mat Birley to orchestrate a purposeful attacking display the skipper felt had been “probably the best we have played so far this season”.

“It helps to have Foz in there. He helps to marshal the back four with Tommo (Wayne Thomas) and Jordan (Stoddart). It gives us the freedom to go out and play,” said Birch.

“There was plenty of capability and scope to mix things around because we all knew our roles.

“We haven’t used that side of our game so much so we had to adjust and get used to it but once we clicked it was probably the best we have played so far this season.

“That performance was certainly up there with some of our best. The one and two-touch football was brilliant, so was the work-rate off the ball.

“We will see what the gaffer says about Khalsa. You always go back and assess the games to see how best to set up but whatever shape we play I am sure we will do a good job.

“Hopefully, we can pick up another three points. There is a good team spirit and the lads in the squad are keeping themselves fit and raring to go.

“It has been tough with a few games being off lately but we are pulling each other through.”

City will leapfrog third-placed Khalsa on goal difference should they win at the Victoria Ground and have three games in hand on the Willenhall-based side.

Prior to a 2-1 win at Coventry United a fortnight ago, Khalsa had drawn four in a run of five league matches without a win but Birch will be taking nothing for granted.

“They will be a tough, physical side. That’s the way they always are and we will have to match that before anything else,” he added.

“You have to win the battle and this will be a hard game, there is no question about that.”

Goalkeeper Nathan Vaughan comes back into contention after missing the Westfields match.

Mark Smith scored the third-minute goal that earned Worcester a 1-1 draw at Noose Lane in October.

Dave Meese got the equaliser three minutes into stoppage time at the end of the first half.