JOINT-manager Matt Gardiner has urged his players to be “brave” as Worcester City aim to secure all three points at second-from-bottom Hednesford Town today (3pm).

Worcester are just four points above the relegation zone after a run of six games without a victory in Vanarama National League North.

But Gardiner insisted his side showed they had the “character” and the “belief” to get their season back on track after coming from 2-0 down to claim a 2-2 draw against leaders Solihull Moors, with Lee Hughes netting a late equaliser.

And Gardiner said it was now important 18th placed Worcester took the game to Hednesford at Keys Park.

“We need to get points on the board and make sure we are braver in possession and are more positive,” he said.

“We are looking to be as positive in those remaining eight games as we possibly can because we know if we get everyone out on the pitch we can compete.

“We had six forwards on the pitch at the end (against Solihull), so it is about having that positivity.”

Solihull striker Andy Brown bagged a brace before City hit back with goals from Deon Burton and Hughes to salvage a point at Aggborough.

“I would be a liar if I said I thought we would come back and get a result, especially as they got their second so early (in the second half), but it just shows that belief we have,” Gardiner said.

“We said about being a bit more positive and to get on the front foot whatever the formation and I think we showed that in the second half.

"I have got to take my hat off to the players as they were brave, they stuck their necks out, got on the ball and made things happen.”

Centre-back Wayne Thomas, who has been struggling with a back problem, is expected to return to the starting line-up, while defender Kieran Morris is available after serving a two-match suspension.

Hughes is also likely to regain the number nine jersey as Kyle Perry, who made his debut on Saturday, cannot face his former club due to a clause in his transfer agreement.

Gardiner added: “We have got options now and we will look at them to make sure we are as fresh as we can be.

“It is going to be a challenge at Hednesford as this is not a league where two are cut adrift, so you just have got to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

“We have still got a lot of work to do, but if you can put some results together you can get yourself in a healthy position.”