City aim to end bad run (From Worcester News)

City aim to end bad run

5:00pm Friday 17th February 2012

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By Steve Carley »

WORCESTER City make the short trip to Solihull Moors tomorrow (3pm) desperate to get their play-off push back on track.

A six-match winless run has left Carl Heeley’s team eight points adrift of the Blue Square Bet North top five and their bid to stop the rot has been further frustrated by the cold snap.

Nearly three weeks have passed since their last game, the 1-1 draw against Histon on January 30, and they remain without a victory since Boxing Day.

Manager Heeley knows the importance of three points at Damson Park to his team’s play-off challenge but is wary of the threat posed by 14th-placed Solihull.

Former Kidderminster Harriers defender Marcus Bignot’s side beat league leaders Hyde 1-0 last time out on January 28 when Ryan Beswick scored a 90th-minute penalty, before which they recorded a 5-3 victory over high-fliers Gainsborough Trinity.

“They are a force to be reckoned with and there are always tight games between the clubs,” the City boss said.

“Both sets of players know each other and Solihull have improved after the first seven games. They have done very well and are a far better team than they were at the start of the season.”

Heeley added: “A couple of weeks is a big rest and we are desperate to play games now. It can get frustrating and we have reached that stage.”

City, however, make the journey up the M42 in much better shape than when they drew with Histon at the end of last month.

Central defenders Stuart Whitehead (hamstring), Lee Ayres (shoulder) and Jacob Rowe (leg) have all made progress and are in contention.

In that respect, the enforced lay-off has been a blessing in disguise for City and having a fully-fit defence to choose from — left-back Ellis Deeney is also fit again following a throat infection — is a major plus.

Keeper James Dormand is also on the mend after straining a calf muscle in the 1-0 defeat to Colwyn Bay on January 21 but is unlikely to be risked.

As well as seeking a first win of 2012, City can also complete their first double of the season having beaten Moors 3-0 in September with goals from captain Kevin O’Connor, Matt Birley and Mike Symons.

Meanwhile, attacking midfielder Lee Smith’s loan at Cirencester Town finishes after the Centurions’ match at Bedford Town in the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division tomorrow.