BARRY Woolley has raised the stakes ahead of Worcester City's clash with fourth-placed Crawley Town at St George's Lane tomorrow by insisting they can't afford to lose.

The giant defender has billed it as a 'massive' game for a City side seeking to complete a hat-trick of league wins and remain in the chasing pack behind Dr Martens Premier Division leaders Weymouth.

Woolley also has a few scores to settle after being given the runaround by Crawley's quicksilver forwards in August's 4-0 defeat in which the ex-Ilkeston man also picked up two cracked ribs.

"I did my ribs early on and can't remember that much because half the time I was thinking about how I was going to be able to run because I was struggling to breathe," Woolley said.

"They were a strong well organised side and probably the best team we've played along with Nuneaton though unlike Nuneaton, who I thought we were unlucky against, Crawley didn't give us a sniff.

"But we've picked up a bit lately. Okay we didn't do well against Sutton Coldfield but those are tough games as Gresley showed by winning against Hinckley in the FA Trophy.

"Whether it was because we'd had a long weekend coming back from Eastbourne I don't know but it was just good to get a result."

"If we can make it three league wins on the trot tomorrow then we are back in the chase, can leapfrog Crawley and put some pressure on Weymouth," he added.

"It's a massive game and one we can't afford to lose, we need to get some kind of result."

Daniel Marney, who orchestrated Crawley's superb display at the Broadfield Stadium, is no longer at the club while hat-trick hero Carl Wilson-Denis has only scored three goals since that match and has been on the bench in recent matches.

But Woolley is ready to face whatever challenge is presented and is happy with his form in defence alongside captain Carl Heeley.

"I'm enjoying it and of late we haven't conceded too many goals and I'm getting a better understanding with Carl," said Woolley.

"Carl's a great leader and he's been at the club such a long time he understands everything. He's really easy to talk to, a constant source of encouragement on the pitch and is very constructive. If he wants to tell you something, positive or negative, he'll take you to one side to tell you in a very professional way."

One aspect of his game Woolley is not satisfied with is his goals count which stands at just one. "Last year I had about eight at this stage but I'm concentrating on keeping clean-sheets and if I score it's a bonus.

"There's no use panicking about not scoring. As a defender they can come in clutches of two or three or you can go months without scoring."

City reserves are in action at Chasetown tomorrow.

n FORMCAST: A 2-2 draw.