CENTRE-HALF Joe Hawkins has become the latest new face at Worcester City as the Blue and Whites get set for an appearance in front of the BBC cameras in the FA Cup preliminary round.
Hawkins signed on the dotted line to make the move from Cradley Town following an impressive pre-season display against Ash Vincent’s men.
The move ended confusion over his status with the Black Country side after City chiefs’ initial seven-day approach cooled when they were told Hawkins had signed a contract with Cradley.
However, after discovering the centre-back had decided not to sign the contract, City bosses moved swiftly before Thursday’s deadline to secure his signature.
Hawkins was not part of the team who lost 4-0 to Long Eaton United on Tuesday (August 20) but is expected to make his debut in Saturday’s cup clash.
City’s visit to Midland Premier Division rivals Heather St John’s will be streamed on the BBC Sport website, app and iPlayer from 12.30pm. There are 320 teams due to take part in the preliminary round which is five hurdles from the first round proper.
Vincent’s men go into the clash on the back of a 3-0 win over Boldmere St Michaels on Saturday which lifted City into the top six.
City’s early pressure paid dividends with a first half onslaught which saw Liam Lockett shot home from close range in the 26th minute after good work from Demetri Brown on the left.
Luke English added a second on 37 minutes after more good work down the left – this time Adam Osbourne crossing to English whose goal bound flick went in off the defender.
The Blue and Whites capped a first half to remember with a great team goal which began deep in their own half.
English’s long cross field ball picked out Osbourne who combined well with Chris Withington whose near post cross was volleyed home by English.