WORCESTER City manager John Barton admits his side face a tough test at Telford United in the fifth round of the FA Umbro Trophy.

City have been handed a trip to the Nationwide Conference side on Saturday, February 26.

But Barton says they will approach the tie with confidence thanks to their excellent form, which has seen them win 13 of their 17 games since he took over.

He said: "First and foremost we would like to have been at home, but having said that, you can't be pickers and choosers at this stage of the competition.

"Everyone in the hat has done very well to get to this stage. Whatever comes out represents a tough challenge.

"We are lucky enough that we have a chance to go there and do it, and we will go there with confidence.

"In between now and then there are some important games to be played and we need to get some more points on the board.

"What it has done is given us a really hectic schedule right through to the end of the season."

Barton expects another large following of City fans to travel to the Bucks Head after more than 300 travelled to Stalybridge for their 1-0 victory. "Saturday's following was fantastic. We were as pleased with the result for them as we were for ourselves.

"It is away from home so it doesn't give us the opportunity of staging the game, but it is local so it gives plenty of people a chance to go."

Telford, who were traditional rivals for City before their relegation from the Conference, are currently 13th in the table, and have an excellent home record with nine wins in 15 games.

They have yet to win away in the league, but recorded a fine 4-2 win at Kidderminster in the second round.

United reached the last 16 with a 2-1 victory over Farnborough Town at the Bucks Head. Striker Gez Murphy scored both Telford goals, with the winner coming in the last minute.

Winger Jon Purdie is the only former Telford player on City's books.

Bucks Head manager Alan Lewer also admitted it was going to be a tough draw for them.

"John Barton is doing a great job there and he has got them playing well, so it will be a tough tie.

"But we are pleased to have been drawn at home. We haven't done too badly at home but obviously cup ties are one-offs."

City travel to Evesham United tonight in the quarter-finals of the Worcestershire FA Senior Cup.