MITCH Counsell has undergone a steep learning curve in his brief Worcester City career but is adapting well thanks to some verbal rockets from his new team mates.

The 20-year-old has made a seamless transition from the Hellenic League to the Dr Martens Premier Division and last week helped power City to a thrilling 3-2 comeback at Grantham Town by bagging the winner.

Counsell's confidence is growing match by match but ahead of tomorrow's clash with rivals Chippenham Town at St George's Lane (3pm) admitted he still has plenty to learn, as his colleagues frequently remind him.

"I'm doing OK but there are still new things to learn all the time," he said.

"From my first game I've had rollockings from the lads who tell me what I'm doing wrong and I just make sure that I listen and do it right.

"I'm playing with and against better players and it's a case of trying to work as hard as I can."

Counsell was in the thick of the action last weekend and as well as notching the winner, he conceded a penalty and was booked for a late tackle on Joby Gowshall who had to be stretchered off.

"I've been brought up to play like that and get stuck in - that's my style of play," explained Counsell.

"If the ball's there to be won I go for it although to be fair I was a bit late and caught their guy.

"Bookings are a occupational hazard and I'm trying to cut out the petty ones.

"I enjoyed last week but I was a bit upset with myself for giving away the penalty although it was a bit harsh because I felt I just stood my ground. Thankfully Danny saved it," he said.

"I've worked hard on breaking from deep and I'm glad I can do it at City and be picked out.

"Scoring goals has been my main priority. Last year I scored about 10 and I'm looking to get into double figures next season.

"Although I've based myself as a defensive player and holding the middle when the times right I like to get forward.

"Jon Holloway knows the Chippenham lads quite well and reckons they are happy to nick a goal and sit on it."

The first meeting between the sides back in December ended goalless.

Chippenham manager Tommy Saunders welcomes back last week's Hinckley two-goal hero John Mills who missed the midweek victory at Hednesford with an appearance at the Football League exit trials at Lilleshall.

But Saunders is without Mark Harrington who had ankle surgery yesterday while he is short of cover for central defenders Mark Badman and Gary Horgan.

Former Hereford United player Gareth Davies is expected to be back on the right side of midfield after being injured against Hinckley while Wayne Thorne will return at left back.

FORMCAST: City to steal it 1-0.