DANNY McDonnell has insisted Worcester City cannot allow the FA Trophy to blur their Nationwide North ambitions.

But the popular City 'keeper still sees tomorrow's third round visit to cup holders Hednesford Town as a massive game that could inspire another good league run.

City's recent programme has been blighted by postponements and there was plenty of disappointment after Saturday's 2-2 draw at home to Ashton United.

The match could have easily ended in defeat but for McDonnell who insists they cannot take lower-ranked Hednesford lightly, despite their unspectacular 10th position in Southern League Premier Division.

John Barton's City have already dumped Premier Division high-fliers Chippenham Town out of the competition with an emphatic 3-0 score-line before edging out Prescot Cables 2-1.

But McDonnell warned: "The Hednesford game is a big game, there's no two ways about it. But it does not take the pressure off us if we win because we have got to start putting a good run of results together in the league.

"However, it would be great to win. It really would be the kick-start that we need to put us on another good run. There was a bit of doom and gloom after Saturday and we don't really want that again.

"We played Hednesford in a reserve game a couple of weeks ago though and they look a decent side who are quick and strong all over the pitch. It's going to be very difficult."

Left-back Les Hines faces a late fitness test on a calf injury so an appearance against his former club is in the balance.

Liam McDonald (knee) is still missing but young defender Shabir Khan (groin) could be back and the City squad seem to have got over the worst of their 'flu bug.

Barton, still on the look-out for new signings to improve the squad, believes the Hednesford game will be an excellent chance for his players to make up for their shortcomings against Ashton.

He admitted: "Whenever we play them, we expect a tough game. It should be a very close game to call.

"I've been in three finals and this is a special competition for myself and also for the club."

For Hednesford, managed by former Kidderminster Harriers defensive favourite Chris Brindley, tomorrow represents a great chance of a shock against fellow Midlanders.

Brindley insisted: "I honestly think that being given home advantage has evened the tie up. I've seen Worcester a couple of times this season and they are a good side.

"We lost about 15 players from the 22 here last season and it's been difficult. We're starting to get a little bit more consistency together and we've only lost once in the last 10 games but we've only won three of those."

n Redditch United's FA Trophy clash at Carlisle has seen big changes due to the bad flooding in Cumbria.

Carlisle's Brunton Park ground was left under water but the Nationwide Conference high-fliers have switched the tie to Sunday and to Borough Park, home of Workington Reds (2pm).