City head into their second mammoth local derby in the space of a week on Tuesday evening, when they take on Pershore Town in what already looks set to be a huge game at the top of the Hellenic League table.
Following last week’s win over Worcester Raiders, City are currently sat in fifth place in the table, just a point behind the visitors. City have won four out of the last five in all competitions following the Raiders win and also overcoming Sherwood Colliery to make the 2nd Qualifying Round of the FA Cup at the weekend.
Pershore, meanwhile, remain unbeaten in the league having won three and drawn two of their opening five. Lewis Marston’s side haven’t played since Ban Holiday Monday, when they made the trip to Hereford and came away with the three points from Hereford Pegasus. And since they were last in action, Pershore have added to their squad with the signings of striker Alfie Bloomer, and midfielder Max Black.
Both sides will be looking to continue their good early season form and keep up the pressure on those around them at the top of the league table.
It was City’s own ‘new signing’, Kyle Belmonte, who made the difference in our last outing. After confirming he would join from Redditch United on full terms after initially signing on dual-registration, Kyle shone from the bench with both goals against Sherwood Colliery. That performance will no doubt put him at the forefront of Manager Cornes’ mind when selecting his eleven for this fixture.
Striker Kyonn Evans also made a real difference when appearing from the bench on Saturday, in his own attempt to force his way into Cornes’ first team.
Dylan Hart didn’t make the squad for Saturday’s fixture after withdrawing at half-time in the win over AFC Bridgnorth and also sitting out the Raiders match, and it remains to be seen whether he will be back in time for our next local derby. Jamie Insall has started the last three and Liam Lockett has been an ever-present so far this season, starting every game. Izak Reid also continues to impress and set-up the match winner for Belmonte on Saturday.
Logan Stoddart also seems to have forced his way back into Cornes’ plans, starting all three of our recent games in place of Cam Monteith. His performances have warranted his inclusion and he’s grabbed his chance with both hands.
Cornes elected to stick with his first eleven from the Raiders win this weekend, before changing things at half time. It will be interesting to see what team he goes with on Tuesday.
Tuesday's fixture is sponsored by Dolphin Tec. Based in Worcestershire, Dolphin Tec provide managed print solutions, secure print and document management, helping businesses to streamline processes and save money. They also sponsor our in-form right back, Logan Stoddart.
This fixture, we are also raising money by way of a raffle for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, in collaboration with Scott Morris, a well-known local man currently living with MND. We hope that we can support both Scott and the charity by raising as much money as possible on the evening, and want to thank our kind partners and supporters for their donations to the raffle.
For this game we have THREE car parks available:
On site at the ground which must be purchased in advance only via www.wcfcshop.com COST: £5.
RGS The Grange, Grange Lane, Worcester (£2 payable at the entrance - cash only). Car Park entry closes at 8pm
The River School, School Lane, Worcester (£3 payable at the entrance - cash only)
PLEASE DO NOT PARK IN ANY OF THE LANES SURROUNDING THE GROUND - anyone doing so will be refused entry to the ground.