WORCESTER City's reserves begin their Central Conference programme tonight with a new home matchday and a promise to do better than last year.

City, who begin at home to neighbours Bromsgrove Rovers (7.30), have experienced both ends of the spectrum since joining the league two seasons ago.

In their first season, they had to appeal to the Football Association to gain entry after being left off the list of teams, and their efforts were rewarded by winning the inaugural title.

But last year saw City prop up the table after winning just one of their 18 games.

However, for City the aim of their participation in the league remains the same -- to help develop their younger players and to give fringe players or those returning from injury regular match action.

Defender Dave Richards is the most notable example of a player who has graduated from the league to become a first-team regular.

Manager George Rooney said: ''We have a very young reserve side and I'm hoping very much that one or two of those will gain some valuable experience in the Central Conference. It is a very strong section this year and we have to look to field a slightly stronger side.''

For this reason City have switched their match night from Thursdays to Wednesdays this year, so as not to clash with first-team training.

''We think it is a wonderful competition and one of the reasons we have moved our home games is to maybe enable us to play some of the lads and let them enjoy themselves.''

Several first-teamers will get a run-out tonight, with strikers Sam Bowen and Mark Owen, winger Ray Woods, midfielders Mark Jones and Steve Hillman and skipper Chris Greenman all likely to get a run-out.

The league has expanded to 10 clubs this season with Bromsgrove rejoining and Telford United and Rushden & Diamonds coming in for the first time.

City are on the road again in the Dr Martens Premier Division on Saturday when they visit Crawley Town.

Next Monday, City hope to complete their first 'double' of the season when they entertain Burton Albion, having beaten them 1-0 away last month.

City's reserves entertain Bedworth on Saturday in the Endsleigh Midland Combination.

Wednesday