CARL Heeley has urged his Worcester City players to push on without Matt Gardiner and retain their Vanarama National League North status at AFC Telford United tomorrow (3pm).

Worcester’s in-demand joint-boss Gardiner has been placed on temporary leave by the club after being approached by Kidderminster Harriers to become their new head of coaching.

It is another set-back for battling City, who are five points above the relegation area with two games left after suffering back-to-back defeats to Bradford Park Avenue and Lowestoft Town.

However, Heeley, who has taken sole charge with John Snape stepping up to be assistant manager, insisted it was important his players focused on matters on the pitch.

“We have granted them (Kidderminster) permission to speak to Matt as we had little choice,” he said.

“But like it has been over the last few weeks, we need to focus on getting over the line, so fingers crossed we can do that tomorrow.”

Even if third-from-bottom Brackley Town win at Curzon Ashton, a draw would virtually steer City, who have a better goal difference, to safety.

But with 18th placed Telford three points below Worcester in the table, Heeley says they will have to battle hard to come away from the New Bucks Head Stadium with anything.

“Telford have come from nowhere as they were rooted to the bottom and it didn’t look like they were going to get out of it,” Heeley said.

“But now they have given themselves a chance, so it is going to be tough and we have got to be at our best.

“We have got to stop doing the things that have crept into our game in the last two or three games and the results at the end of play on Saturday will hopefully see us retain our status.”

Defender Sam Minihan is facing a fight to be fit after coming off midway through the first half against Lowestoft on Tuesday night with a tight hamstring.

Full back Tyler Weir is set to return after recovering from a thigh problem, while midfielder Shaun Donnellan and striker Deon Burton are expected to be back available.

Heeley said he wants to see a reaction from his players after their disappointing display in midweek and also hopes to see a big turnout of City fans.

“We need help from our supporters who can give us that vocal backing,” he said.

“We have to forget about everything that has happened and focus on today’s game because I want a positive outcome from this season, and that’s retaining our status.”