NUNEATON boss Alan Lewer claims he would sacrifice FA Cup glory on Saturday for three points against Worcester City the following week.

The Dr Martens Premier Division rivals will slug it out in both cup and league in the space of seven days but, with a lengthening injury list, Lewer has nailed his colours in favour of the league.

The first instalment of the Manor Park double-header has been dubbed the tie of the second qualifying round pitching second-placed Borough against third-placed City.

But while world's oldest club competition might stir the hearts of supporters Lewer admits injuries have taken the shine off the tie.

"For me personally I've got a small squad and as far as I am concerned I would rather have the three points," said Lewer.

"I've got Mike Brown still out, Dion Scott won't kick a ball for six weeks, Gary Fitzgerald has gone down with an Achilles and won't play for six weeks. Terry Angus might have fractured a bone in his foot and Micky Love has got a virus. These are key players that we are missing."

Lewer, who was in charge at Telford United when they ended City's hopes in the last 16 of the FA Trophy four years ago, is gearing up for another tough battle.

"I think Worcester are a good side," he said. "I've seen them twice and they will be difficult to beat. At the end of the day it's two good sides near the top of the table.

"John Barton would say we have got home advantage, but that's about the only plus point we've got," he added.

The cup-tie is set to be a pulsating contest and with City expected to bring a large numbers of supporters it should be a special occasion believes Lewer.

"We will be preparing no differently to this match than next week, but Saturday's game will definitely have a better atmosphere because it's the FA Cup," he added.

City manager Barton is relishing Saturday's cup clash but insists it will have no bearing on the league clash the following week.

"They are two totally separate games," he said.

"You never know what the FA Cup is going to produce so I don't think you can read too much into it."