MANAGER Carl Heeley is keen for his Worcester City side to end their derby day hoodoo against Gloucester City tonight (Tuesday) with a first win in seven against their Severn rivals.
The Blue and Whites haven’t tasted victory over their neighbours since Boxing Day 2011, where they won 2-1, and have proceeded to lose each of the following six, including a 2-0 defeat at Whaddon Road in January.
Worcester are unbeaten in their last three games and go into the tie on the back of a 4-1 success over Hyde, but will be without utility man Aaron Brown after the midfielder was released from the club due to a ‘busy personal life’.
Long-term absentees Danny Jackman and Connor Gater also look set to miss out, as does Rob Elvins (groin) and Michael Taylor who was brought off after 33 minutes in the weekend victory with a knee injury.
But defender Kyle Haynes, who was absent from Saturday’s game due to personal reasons, looks set to slot back into a defence which has the fourth meanest record in the Conference North.
Nathan Vaughan will also be available for the final time this season as his suspension kicks in from Saturday’s game at Bradford Park Avenue.
Gloucester head to Aggborough with their status in the sixth tier of English football all but secured thanks to Tom Webb’s last minute winner in their 2-1 success over Chorley at the weekend.
The three points now means Tim Harris’ side are in 17th place, five points clear of Brackley, who occupy the final relegation spot, with the Northamptonshire outfit only having six points left to play for.
The Tigers have hit form at just the right time and are unbeaten in their last five, including impressive victories against Solihull Moors, Leamington and promotion-chasing Chorley.
Worcester manager Heeley said: “We will try and turn the tables on Gloucester City because we are due a win against them.
“It happens in football when you get sides which seem to get the upper-hand on you for some reason. I don’t know why it is.
“What can’t happen tonight, Gloucester can’t come here and can’t look like they want to win the game more than us.
“The game will be determined on who takes the chances and who is ruthless enough in both penalty areas, but what won’t be acceptable is Gloucester City coming here and having an easy ride.
“That won’t happen.”
A live blog will be available at www.worcesterobserver.co.uk online.