CAPTAIN Jordan Stoddart revealed how Worcester City would have double motivation to perform in today’s FA Vase showdown with Long Eaton United (3pm).

Talk of Wembley inevitably infiltrates conversations about the national competition but the centre-half insists just as much focus will be on righting the wrongs of last weekend’s flat display at South Normanton Athletic.

City drew 0-0 at the Midland Football League Premier Division’s bottom club, missing the chance to close the gap on leaders Ilkeston Town who also drew.

“We targeted doing well in the FA Vase at the very start of the season anyway but last Saturday’s performance was not good enough,” said Stoddart.

“Fair play to South Normanton, they gave us a good dogged fight but the overall display was not what we expect of ourselves. Now we have the chance to put it right.

“It is something we are looking forward to as well. It is a cup for clubs at our level and one we want to have a run in.

“Everyone knows about the carrot at the end of it, there are a few jokes and Wembley gets mentioned in with banter but at the same time everyone knows it is a lifetime away yet.

“We all know how good it would be to get there and everyone dreams about it but no one is getting carried away.

“With the calibre of this club we feel capable of doing something in this competition and that is the aim while understanding you are only ever one bad performance away from going out.”

Having set the bar high in a six-match winning run, recent displays have not been as good despite maintaining a 12-match unbeaten run in all competitions, one that extends to 14 notwithstanding a lost penalty shootout.

“It is hard to tell why it happens,” added Stoddart.

“No one turns up to put in bad performances. Game situations and a lot of other things contribute to it.

“We went into last weekend feeling good on the back of winning at Walsall Wood and looking to push but we got as good as gave.

“It is hard to put your finger on one thing but we have worked hard on a lot of different aspects this week and we will be putting it right.”

Meanwhile, the skipper saved the last word for the fans and Worcester City Supporters’ Trust.

“I’d like to say thank you to the fans for travelling in such good numbers again last weekend, it was the same faces again and their support has been brilliant,” said Stoddart.

“The lads have noticed all of the work the trust is doing behind the scenes as well. It has been mentioned in the dressing room and we would like to offer our thanks for that too.”