THE phoney war is nearly over and manager John Barton admits he can't wait to see Worcester City's league campaign get under way next week.

City visit Solihull Borough tonight (7.30) for their penultimate pre-season friendly but after six weeks, Barton has half an eye on next Saturday's opener against Hastings.

With his starting eleven, barring injuries, settled in his mind Barton will tonight run the rule over Pat Lyons (bruised ankle) and Allan Davies who could make his first appearance after ankle surgery.

Captain Carl Heeley picked up a knock against Stourport Swifts in midweek and will be given a fitness test before, but replacement centre-half Marc Burrow is out with back trouble.

Solihull will include former Worcester striker Mark Shepherd who has mixed emotions about the visit of his former club. "It's difficult playing against people you know but I'm looking forward to getting 90 minutes under my belt," he said.

n Stourport Swifts' manager Tim Langford expects to hear over the weekend if former Birmingham City and QPR striker Dennis Bailey is joining the Walshes Meadow club.

Swifts face a fight with rivals Redditch United for the veteran goal-poacher's signature.

Meanwhile, last year's Dr Marten's Western Division champions Halesowen Town visit Stourport tonight (7.45).