WORCESTER City will be determined to stop their former striker Sam Bowen when they visit Halesowen Town in the Dr Martens League Premier Division on Boxing Day (3pm).

Bowen scored an impressive 53 goals in 97 games during two-and-a-half seasons at St George's Lane, but was released at the end of last season.

He recently joined Halesowen after a spell at Evesham United, and scored on his debut against another of his former clubs, Merthyr Tydfil, last week.

But manager John Barton said Bowen was not the only danger man to watch. "There are other threats on the pitch than Sam.

"From my point of view there is nothing to prove with Sam, and I am sure he has nothing to prove to me. We know what he can do."

Bowen asked for a transfer from City last season and he did not play again after being sent off in their FA Umbro Trophy defeat at Telford.

Barton added: "The game is more than about that, and I am sure Halesowen's management team of Alan Moore and Colin Brookes will see it like that as well."

The game also sees City goalkeeper Danny McDonnell return to the club he left in the summer, and Barton says he expects him to be able to handle the pressure.

"If you look at Danny's form since he came to Worcester, it has been outstanding and we expect that to carry on. You have to cope with certain things in the game and you have to go out and deal with that."

Defender Andy Bradley and winger Ian Reed have also had spells with Halesowen.

City have not beaten Halesowen in their last 10 league meetings, dating back to the 1994-95 season, but they did beat them 4-1 in a Worcestershire Senior Cup tie back in October.

Barton said: "Traditionally Boxing Day games seem to have a little bit more spice, and there are a few added connections from both clubs that will spice it up even more."

FORMCAST: City will emerge with a share of the spoils from a 0-0 draw.