IT IS back to the reality of the Conference North tomorrow (Saturday) for Worcester City when they make the long trip north to face struggling Stalybridge Celtic.
The Blue and Whites were a kick away from making the FA Cup third round in midweek in-front of a packed Aggborough but now their attention switches back to the league and to collecting all three points at Bower Fold.
City’s incredible 14-game unbeaten run came to a heartbreaking end with their penalty defeat against Scunthorpe but they haven’t lost in the league since September 20 at AFC Fylde.
After 120 gruelling minutes on Wednesday, Carl Heeley may be tempted to freshen up his side with Michael Taylor, Tristan Dunkley and Nick Wright all vying for a position.
Sean Geddes jumped back to the top of Worcester’s scoring charts with his FA Cup goal, but striker Daniel Nti will be keen to overhaul the midfielder’s ten goal tally. Nti currently has nine strikes to his name.
In contrast, the Celts are on a terrible run of form having won only twice since August 30, in all competitions, including 13 defeats, which leaves Keith Briggs’ side stranded in the relegation zone and four points off safety.
The horror run also included seven straight defeats and crashing out of the FA Cup to minnows Shildon.
After the FA Cup defeat, Heeley said: “We have Stalybridge away, hopefully it will be another three points, we will get back on it and we are looking forward to that.
“The character for us now is refocusing back on the league, like we did after Coventry, we have got to do that positively and look to take three points at Stalybridge and then we will focus on Halifax in the FA Trophy.”
The pair drew 2-2 when they met on the opening day of the season.