WORCESTER City will see today’s home clash against Westfields as must-win if they wish to stay in the Midland Premier promotion race.
The Blue and Whites, who were victorious from their trip to Long Eaton United on Tuesday, welcome second-placed Westfields to the Victoria Ground knowing a defeat could all but condemn them to another year in the fifth tier of non-League football.
Last Saturday’s 3-2 defeat at Highgate United left John Snape’s men 11 points off leaders Ilkeston Town, who have played one game more at this stage of the season.
After a goalless first half at the Coppice Ground, City seized the advantage in the 57th minute when Luke English lobbed Gate keeper Bradley Catlow.
However, the hosts equalised almost immediately with the predatory Lei Brown lifting the ball over City shot-stopper Dan Jezeph to bag his 13th goal of the season.
Highgate nosed themselves in the 72nd minute with a fine solo goal from substitute Romario Martin before an unstoppable 30-yard shot from former City man Marco Adaggio gave the hosts a two-goal cushion with seven minutes remaining.
English bagged his and City’s second four minutes later to set up a tense finale but it proved too little too late as the visitors stretched their winless run in the league to three games.
Meanwhile, Snape has bolstered his ranks with the acquisitions of midfielder Mason Birch and winger Pierce Kiembi.
Birch was an unused substitute in the defeat to Highgate after signing from Redditch United and the former Aston Villa youngster was expected to feature in the Long Eaton clash.
Also hoping to make an appearance at Long Eaton was Kiembi, who has joined on a dual registration deal from Coleshill Town.
Kiembi was born in Germany and spent three years with Bayer Leverkusen before moving to England and signing for Worcester.
He then had spells with Daventry Town, Chasetown, Stourbridge and Coventry Sphinx.
There have also been some outgoings at City, with Tyler Weir stepping up three levels to join Gloucester City and Tom Fishwick returning to Redditch United.