ANDY Morrison talks as forcefully off the pitch as he performed on it during his days at Huddersfield Town and Manchester City.

So when the former tough-guy defender issues a caution to players to roll up their sleeves, it is a warning best taken seriously.

In the aftermath of Worcester City's lacklustre mid-week defeat at Alfreton Town, assistant Morrison reckoned changes could be afoot as one or two names were not 'up for the fight'.

Tomorrow's clash at promotion-hopefuls Northwich Victoria should produce a more pleasing standard of football than the rain-lashed battle of Tuesday night. But Morrison believes City must learn to win ugly in Nationwide North.

"We lost 1-0 against an Alfreton team that are not good enough to beat us," said Morrison. "But they had the desire to win the game.

"They scored, defended deep and worked their socks off to get a win. That's what probably 70 per cent of games in this league are about.

"I don't think the lads went out there and grabbed it by the throat. They did not take responsibility to have the ball, to pass the ball or to create things. Recently, we've been playing well and scoring a few goals. But sometimes you go to places and teams will not allow you to play the way you want.

"They will match up against you, make it ugly and make it hard. We've got players who can scrap, but occasionally a few have not turned up for the fight.

"That's something I'm sure we'll be looking at. We are going to need characters who can go to Alfreton on a Tuesday night and are prepared to roll their sleeves up and have a go."

Morrison will be hoping for a positive reaction tomorrow against a Vics side surprisingly out of form after a terrific start to the campaign.

The Greens were pre-season favourites for the title after losing their Conference status, but are feeling the pressure from league leaders Stafford.

Northwich have won just two of 11 previous competitive games and host City at the Victoria Stadium following back-to-back losses against Kettering and Hyde.

Morrison added: "Northwich slipped up and lost again on Tuesday, so there's a bit of added pressure on them now.

"They have lost their last two and their early-season form has deserted them. But they are a good team and you don't become a bad team as quick as losing those two games.

"They are a big threat to us at home with a lot of quality. We will have our work cut out. But they are under pressure and we may just see that.

"I reckon there will be a bit more football played there than at Alfreton. It should be more open, which will suit us."

City will still be without Les Hines (calf) and Graham Hyde (groin), while George Clegg (ankle) remains a serious doubt.

Chris Smith and Jai Stanley will be considered after both played 90 minutes in Wednesday's 2-1 reserve win at Feckenham in the Worcestershire Senior Urn semi-final. Craig Selby and Joel Skyers scored the goals.

Striker Mark Danks picked up his fifth booking of the season at Alfreton, but will not be suspended until later this month.