AFTER four cup games on the trot it's back to Dr Martens Premier Division action for Worcester City with tomorrow's visit of Cambridge City (3pm).

City's coach Mick Tuohy admits his players were justly criticised following their midweek Trophy exit against Mangotsfield, but has urged them to bounce back by maintaining their unbeaten record at St George's Lane.

"It's vitally important to get three points on the table tomorrow because I think the league is so open that anybody who strings a run of wins together will be back in with a shot of the top," he said.

"We go into the Cambridge match without two of our most influential players in Mark Owen and Darren Middleton but we have to get on with it.

"Everybody's down in the dumps after the Trophy exit but players take the plaudits when they play well and have to criticism on the chin when they don't.

"Tuesday was a massive disappointment for all the backroom staff but we have to put that behind us and get on with tomorrow's match.

"We're unbeaten at home and have got three home games coming up so it's a chance to continue that and do the best we can."

City boss John Barton is currently bidding to boost the strength of his squad and Tuohy admits a left-sided player is one of the top priorities.

"It doesn't take a genius to work out we need a left-sided player whether we play three or five at the back," he said. "Ian Reed was an attacking player but didn't fit the requirements and moved on."

One player pushing for a spot is young Lee Goodman, a left-footer who has progressed in the youth and reserve teams. He scored both goals in the 2-0 Midland Floodlit Youth League win at Bromyard last night.

"He's been involved with the first team all season but if he was included would probably play up front for now," he said. "You tend to find that with younger players they can be defensively naive and experience comes with games at a higher level."

Marc Burrow, who replaced Andy Ellis in midweek, could get a recall as could Dwain McFarlane. Fit-again goalkeeper Danny McDonnell could challenge Paul Wyatt.

Defender Chris Greenman has stepped up his rehabilitation following shoulder surgery and should be back before Christmas.

Tuohy added: "Because it has happened before we were fearful at one stage but he's been making better than average progress and we would certainly expect to see him back before Christmas."

Darren Middleton has received positive news on his knee, which was diagnosed as a severe sprain, and he hopes to be running next week and could yet figure in the Rushden FA Cup game next week.

Worcester (from): Wyatt, McDonnell, Davies, Heeley, Weir, Jukes, Carty, Holloway, Ellis, Shepherd, Hyde, Goodman, Burrow, Stant, McFarlane.

Formcast: City to banish the blues with 1-0 win.