DANIEL Nti could be in line for a shock return to Worcester City after featuring in the team’s final warm-up match ahead of the new season.

Last season’s 16-goal top-scorer looked set to leave Aggborough after seeking trials with full-time clubs and manager Carl Heeley resigned to losing the striker.

However, Nti has been unable to secure a deal elsewhere, which would have required any new club to pay City compensation for the 21-year-old.

Nti played 67 minutes of Saturday’s 2-1 victory at Northern League Premier Division outfit Barwell, the Blue and Whites’ last friendly before this weekend’s curtain-raiser against Stalybridge Celtic.

The former Loughborough player was replaced by trialist striker Ben Maund, who scored the winner for the visitors 15 minutes from time after Alex Tomkinson’s first-half effort had cancelled out George Williams’ opener.

Also in Saturday’s line-up was midfielder Tristan Dunkley, brother of Kidderminster Harriers centre-half Chey, who made way for academy striker James Lemon with seven minutes to go, while former Harriers midfielder David McDermott was a second-half substitute for Ethan Moore.

However, there was no place for ex-Harriers and Lincoln City striker Nick Wright, who played in last month’s 1-0 win at Evesham United.

Meanwhile, Kidderminster Harriers completed their preparations for the new season with an emphatic 3-0 win over League Two side Cheltenham Town.

Goals for Nathan Blissett, Jack Byrne and Craig Reid ensured Harriers wrapped up their warm-up campaign in style at Aggborough.

Evesham United ended their nine-match pre-season on a winning note with a 1-0 victory at Bewdley Town.