JORDAN Stoddart is yearning to taste FA Cup success with Worcester City after a “bittersweet” start to his reign as captain.

The defender is set to lead his boyhood club out today when they visit Midland League Premier Division rivals Walsall Wood in the extra preliminary round (3pm).

City have yet to record a victory with Stoddart as skipper this term as they lost 3-2 at Boldmere St Michaels on the opening day before going down 2-1 at Romulus on Monday.

But the Worcester-born 26-year-old is determined to repay the faith manager John Snape has shown in him and give City’s fans moments to savour.

“It is a bittersweet feeling at the moment (as captain),” Stoddart said.

“But it is a big honour for myself, especially coming from Worcester as well.

“The gaffer has put a lot of trust in me to lead the lads out and it is something I am relishing.

“But we need to turn the results around. I really want to push on for the city and the club and get something out of the season for us.”

Worcester have experienced many memorable days in the FA Cup, reaching the second round in 2014 with a victory over Coventry City at the Ricoh Arena and the first round the following year.

Stoddart said City’s current crop of players were now dreaming of putting together a cup run themselves ahead of their trip to Walsall.

“I went to Coventry and was there for the home leg against Scunthorpe when we lost on penalties,” Stoddart recalled.

“I was even at the Huddersfield game (in 2005) so it will be a bit weird to play in an FA Cup game for Worcester but it is something I am looking forward to.

“Every player dreams of going on a good cup run.

“The club have done well in the past so no pressure on us then!

“I have had a few good encounters but never had a really good FA Cup run so hopefully this is the year for me.”

Versatile George Forsyth (knee), striker Kyonn Evans (hamstring) and full-back Jamie Smith (hip) are expected to be back from injury while goalkeeper Matt Gwynne is set to be available for selection.

Stoddart said Worcester would arrive at the ML Safety Stadium desperate to right the wrongs of their recent defeats.

“We can’t forget what has happened in the past two games,” Stoddart said.

“The gaffer says they are not going to go away and we have got to put it right quickly.

“Today is a big chance for us to do that against one of the favourites for the league this year.

“We want to give everything in every competition and win every game we play in.

“A win would be good for the fans to get excited about as well.

“The support has been brilliant in the last two games. We have noticed that on the pitch which has been really good.

“We want to go out on a weekly basis and put in the performances they can be proud of.”

Ahead of the cup tie, City have signed former Alvechurch midfielder Chris Withington.

He has also played for Shortwood Town and Banbury United.