Football
City ready for Robins revenge mission

Buy photos » Manager Carl Heeley expects Saturday's clash against Altrincham to be a close encounter. Picture by Rob Bazley.

WORCESTER City manager Carl Heeley says he is expecting a much closer encounter against play-off rivals Altrincham as his side look to gain revenge for their FA Trophy exit.

A three goal blitz in seven minutes sent City crashing out of the competition with a 3-0 defeat when the two sides met at St George's Lane in November.

The two teams meet again at the Lane tomorrow (Saturday) in Blue Square Bet North with both sides just a point outside the play-offs but Altrincham having two games in hand.

City go into the clash bolstered by an impressive 3-0 victory at relegation battlers Colwyn Bay last Saturday.

But Heeley warned his side would have to defend better than they did in the Trophy clash if they are to contain the Robins' formidable firepower.

"It was quite a blitz they hit us with in and then the game was effectively dead and buried. We have to defend better than that and also when our chances come we have to take them. If we do that I am sure it will be a closer game," Heeley said.

City will be without defender Graham Hutchison who has returned to Birmingham City after his loan spell came to an end, although the Worcester boss remains hopeful he can bring the impressive youngster back to the club.

"It's disappointing but his contract is up at Birmingham in the summer and he has to try and look at his options," Heeley said.

"I believe he may be going on trial at a club next week so nothing is going to happen imminently. He has enjoyed his time with us so I am hopeful something may happen."

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