WITH 23 goals between them in their last three meetings at St George's Lane, Worcester City's clash with Newport County in the Dr Martens Premier Division tomorrow (3pm) should be an eagerly awaited fixture.

John Barton's side won a 5-3 extra-time thriller in the Dr Martens League Cup semi-final last year and the clubs shared a 4-4 draw in the league.

The season before the Exiles sneaked a 4-3 victory against a relegation battling City.

Newport, who took Nationwide Second Division Blackpool to an FA Cup replay, are four points behind City and will be playing their second game in three days following a rearranged FA Trophy clash with Walton & Hersham last night.

Both City and the Exiles have not seen much league action in the last six weeks with the visitors playing just their fourth match in the league since October 22, losing two and drawing one.

City striker Mark Shepherd, who grabbed a brace against Newport in the semi-final last year, is relishing the contest at St George's Lane.

"They are a good, physical side and we've had some great games against them," he said.

"I saw their back four in the replay against Blackpool and they looked pretty big but the physical aspect is all part and parcel of the game and I like getting stuck in and giving as good as I get."

Shepherd with just four goals to his name this season is putting in extra sessions to improve his sharpness but he admits City fans have still to see the best of him.

"I still haven't played very well and I feel there is more to come but my form wasn't helped by missing pre season with a groin injury," he said.

The 23-year-old has found himself playing in right midfield in recent matches - a role he is not too familiar with but one which requires a lot of running.

"I'm naturally a striker and tracking back takes getting used to but it's been an enjoyable if different experience," he said.

"But at the end of they day you can't moan if you are in the first eleven, which is the main thing and I'm more than happy just to be playing."

New signing Leon Jackson is included in the squad along with loanees Mark Blount and Stewart Hadley, and all three could make their debuts as injuries continue to plague the club.

Andy Ellis (ankle) is out but Jon Holloway is fighting to be fit following treatment on his injured ankle sustained in the Crawley Town game.

Dwaine McFarlane was also hoping to have shaken off a thigh injury which has ruled him out for the last four games.

Worcester (from): McDonnell, Wyatt, Davies, Heeley, Weir, Jukes, Holloway, Shepherd, Bullock, Hyde, Goodman, Carty, Burrow, McFarlane, Jackson, Blount, Hadley.

Formcast: City to win 3-2.