WORCESTER City boss Tim Harris will welcome the return of a number of key players this weekend when they make the trip to Tividale in the Midland Football League Premier Division (3pm kick-off).

One of those being welcomed back with open arms is centre-half Fortune Maphosa, who comes back into the side having been released by AFC Telford United.

Maphosa joined Telford on dual registration terms only a month ago but was released last week without kicking a ball for the National League North outfit.

But their loss is City's gain according to manager Tim Harris.

"We are delighted to have him back," he said.

"You are never going to get in people's way if they want to play higher up because that's not where we are.

"But the way it was handled, it could have been done better, he didn't kick a ball and the guy who was in charge there has now left but it is what it is.

"There were other clubs in for him so it is fantastic to have Fortune back with us."

As well as the defender, captain Aaaron Roberts has served out his suspension and is back available for their Tivi visit.

Goalkeeper Adam Harrison and midfielder Billy Shaw were cup tied for the FA Vase defeat at Whittlesey Atheltic and after a week's break following last weekend's game being postponed, they will be fresh for the league encounter.

Shifnal Town were due to come to Claines Lane last Saturday but, as with a lot of non-league football, the game fell foul to the wintery conditions.

But Harris says it was still a productive afternoon for the team.

"We made good use of it," he added.

"The lads trained really well and the then the chairman's (Steve Goode) wife put some food on and we had a good bit of team bonding after training so we made the most of it.

"The rest makes no difference, I'd rather us play."

But today Worcester do play, against the last team to beat them in any competition (in 90 minutes) back at the start of October.

Tividale were 2-1 winner at Claines that day, a result which seemed to do the trick for Harris' men, as they proceeded to go on a six match winning run.

But Harris is keen to avenge that defeat today.

"We lost 2-1 that day in a game we should have got something out of," he said.

"But they are always a tough nut to crack.

"In any game in this league you have to earn the right and last time we played them, we didn't do enough so we have a good opportunity to put the record straight but it wont be easy.

"But we are in a good space at the minute and we have that desire and work ethic, which is one of the reasons we have been winning games this season."