MICK Tuohy is promising total commitment as Worcester City bid to return to winning ways against Hednesford Town tomorrow.
But City will have to harness skill with effort if they are to repel a Pitmen side arriving at St George's Lane as very much one of the form teams of the Dr Martens Premier Division.
Their recent record of five league wins from their last seven outings is in stark contrast to City's.
Despite losing just once in their last five matches, City have only managed one victory and been forced to share three draws including a last minute point at Chelmsford last weekend.
But City's assistant manager Tuohy is in determined mood even though he acknowledges Hednesford boss Powell has held an Indian sign over the club in recent contests.
Powell will be hoping to continue his run of luck which has seen him victorious three times in the last 18 months with two wins achieved as coach at Stafford Rangers.
He also guided his new club to a 3-1 win at Keys Park in September but Tuohy is confident of ending the jinx and lifting City above their opponents in the table.
"I know Barry very well through coach education and he's had the Indian sign over us the last 18 months," admitted Tuohy.
"But we know how important this game is. It's a massive game in many ways and we are going to be putting all our efforts into getting three points."
Barry Woolley and Darren Middleton were on target to earn City a 2-2 draw at Chelmsford last week and Tuohy believes that result has given them added belief.
"The lads felt that Chelmsford were far from a bottom of the league side and were encouraged by the result because they believed they'd worked hard enough to get something from the game," he said.
"We had a good training session on Monday night and we will endeavour to do what we can to get us out of this little slump."
Woolley is set to have a busy afternoon coping with giant forward Steve Anthrobus, a veteran who spent many years at Wimbledon.
But at 6ft 4in, John Barton's summer signing is capable of rising to the challenge.
Tuohy is urging Woolley to use his physique more in his defensive duties but feels he is settling in well to life at St George's Lane.
"Barry is a smashing lad who, if we were being critical, needs to use his weight and strength a bit more but is adjusting to a new club and looks like he's thoroughly enjoying it," added Tuohy.
Middleton is set to continue on the left of midfield after his sparkling display on the left of midfield at Chelmsford, with Adam Wilde ruled out through suspension following his dismissal against Newport.
City's reserves travel to Gresley Rovers in the Midland Combination Reserve Division tomorrow (2.45).
FORMCAST: City to take a point 1-1.
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