SUCCESS in the minor cups remains a huge incentive for Worcester City, insists assistant manager Mick Tuohy.

Early exits from the major FA competitions have whetted appetites in the City ranks, heightening the sense of expectation for Monday's fourth round home clash with Moor Green in the Dr Martens League Cup.

Touhy has no doubts about the importance of the contest.

"I think we've changed our stance on these cups," admitted Tuohy.

"Because of the fact we've been knocked out of the major competitions, we genuinely want to attempt to win every one that we're left in."

One man destined to play a key part in helping City lift some silverware is Mark Owen, who stole the show with a hat-trick in the 5-1 win against Redditch United in the Worcestershire Senior Cup last Monday.

His partnership with Leon Kelly, who also scored, is taking time to flourish but is getting there says Tuohy.

"I thought Monday's game against Redditch was an excellent game and the two difference between the two sides was in the two penalty areas," said Tuohy.

"Danny McDonnell was outstanding when he needed to be and the finishing of our strikers was first class.

"It's always nice when you can bring Leon Kelly on for the last 20 minutes to kill the game off."

"Mark and Leon are keen to become 'the partnership' up front and we've had a couple of chats about that.

"I spoke to them after training on Thursday and they are starting to gel together though I don't want to go over the top about it because one or the other could easily lose their form.

"However the signs are there that they are improving as a partnership."

Tuohy also paid tribute to the players for turning recent performances around and leaving them in good stead for the visit of Moor Green.

"I think the players were faced with the stark reality that they were on a slippery slope and that John Barton, myself and the staff couldn't get them out of it," said Tuohy.

"They had to do it themselves, and the players have taken that on board and reacted positively."

"Moor Green are one of the form teams at the moment, and on a fantastic run.

"But there are certain teams you don't want to play at certain times of the year, and perhaps they are playing us at the wrong time.

"We beat them earlier in the season, fairly comfortably, but this time we will be expecting a much tougher game but after scoring nine goals in two games in three days, our confidence is high."