NATHAN Vaughan has urged his team-mates to be ready for a “fight” when Worcester City take on battling Hednesford Town in an “all-or-nothing” clash at Keys Park tonight (7.45pm).

City’s hopes of pulling further clear of the Vanarama National League North relegation area were dashed on Saturday when Stockport County came from behind to win 3-2.

Vaughan, who was stand-in skipper that day, said he was “gutted” to lose as Worcester also slipped one place to 15th four points above the drop zone.

But the experienced goalkeeper insists his side know they are in a relegation battle and are determined to bounce back.

“When we got into the changing room, the gaffers (Carl Heeley and Matt Gardiner) were not happy and they let us know,” Vaughan said.

“We are still bang in a relegation battle and need to get points on the board.

“To be in the position we are in and 2-1 up with 10 minutes to go, we should be seeing the match out and getting valuable points.

“But for whatever reason we didn’t, so I am gutted.”

Second-from-bottom Hednesford, who are six points adrift of safety, boosted their survival hopes with a 2-1 win over play-off chasing Tamworth at the weekend.

Vaughan said there was “no love lost” between the teams after Hednesford were 3-0 in front at Aggborough last season before the match was abandoned with 15 minutes left due to a waterlogged pitch.

“I know it is going to be a battle and I’ll make sure the lads are aware that if you come on to that pitch tonight you are going to be in for a fight,” the-34-year-old said.

“There is going to be no half-measures. It is all or nothing.”

Club captain Danny Jackman could return after being rested but centre-half Tom Sharpe (calf injury) is expected to miss the trip to Staffordshire.

Vaughan added: “Football is a funny game as we’ve had a bit of a run in the FA Cup this season, which was fantastic, but now we have got five games left and are fighting for our lives.

“I keep hearing people say, ‘You are too good to get relegated’, but we are not because we are where we are for a reason.

“The league table doesn’t lie and we need to address it sooner rather than later.

“No one is going to give you points as everyone is fighting for something, so we just need to keep doing the things that have got us success recently and hope that is enough to get us over the line.”