City squad depleted for Dover trip (From Worcester News)

City squad depleted for Dover trip

8:10am Tuesday 9th March 2010

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WORCESTER City face being without several key players for tonight’s Blue Square South trip to Dover (7.45).

Defenders Mark Clyde (knee) and captain Tom Kemp (shoulder) are both expected to miss out, while forward Alfie Carter is unavailable due to work and midfielder Matt Birley has suffered a setback in his recovery from medial ligament damage.

Left-back Shabir Khan also starts a four-game ban, leaving caretaker manager Carl Heeley with limited options for the south coast clash.

Graham Ward is set to switch to the left of defence with Jack Durrant filling in at right-back so Tom Beahon can remain on the left wing.

Versatile striker Rob Elvins, who faces a four-match suspension later this month following his red card in the 1-0 defeat to Hampton and Richmond, is set to play in the centre of defence alongside Wayne Daniel.

Heeley has not ruled out the possibility of drafting in cover but expects to have a depleted squad for the match.

City are looking to return to winning ways following Sat-urday’s defeat, as well as to complete the double after beating Dover 1-0 at St George’s Lane in October.

Victory against Andy Hessenthaler’s troops, who are eighth in the table, would also be only their second on the road this season.

“It’s not relevant how many times we have won home or away, it’s another game,” Heeley said. “It’s a tough ask but we can’t dwell on what’s gone on in the previous 32 games, we have to move on to the next one.

“Dover are where they are in the league on merit and they are still in with a great chance of getting in the play-offs. It’s a tough place to go and we will have to be at our best to avoid defeat.”