WORCESTER City hope - weather permitting - to end a 41-year wait tonight by reaching the final of the Dr Martens League Cup.

City travel to Newport County for their semi-final tie (7.45), intent on going through to their first final in the competition since the 1959-60 season.

However, heavy snow and rain has put the match in considerable doubt, and a pitch inspection is planned at Newport's Spytty Park ground later today.

City drew 4-4 with Newport in a thrilling New Year's Day clash at St George's Lane, and manager John Barton said: "If it is as exciting as the Christmas fixture, then everybody other than the two managers are in for a treat.

"Newport look as if they have goals in the side, although a 4-4 scoreline will tell you the same is true of us as well, although we didn't defend as well as we would have liked.

"It is a difficult tie but a winnable one, and that is the way we have to approach it. We have to be aware of what we are up against, not be fearful of it and see if we can get the club into its first final outside of county cups for over 40 years."

Paul Carty is set to line up in defence after recovering from a bout of 'flu which would have kept him out of last Saturday's scheduled game at Havant and Waterlooville, which was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

City are to reveal their new Youth Development Officer at a press conference at St George's Lane later today, a new post created as part of a partnership with Worcester College of Technology.

Former City striker Sam Bowen has signed for League of Wales side Newtown.

Bowen had spells with Evesham United and Halesowen Town since leaving City last summer.