WORCESTER City are aiming to build on their display against Sheffield United with their final pre-season game against county neighbours Kidderminster Harriers today (3.00).
Despite losing 2-0 to a Blades reserve side on Thursday night, there were many positives for Andy Preece to take from the game with the Nationwide North opener at Barrow just a week away.
The manager said: "We played really well in the first- half, I was really pleased with it. We had a number of opportunities. I felt we should have been in the lead at half-time but we just couldn't get the ball in or get the right ball at the end.
"I am obviously disappointed in the second-half, we lost the game, but overall I was really pleased with the performance. It was a tough test for us.
"I thought Chris Smith was outstanding. Him and Adam Webster are the benchmarks of the team in their performance. Webby has been outstanding and with Chris Smith I find it hard to think of a bad performance he's put in since he's been here."
Many of the starting 11 look set to get the nod for Barrow but they still have Justin Thompson, Des Lyttle and Mark Danks on the sidelines, creating healthy competition.
"We are trying to get a squad that's strong throughout and there's genuine competition in each position," Preece said. "Tom Warmer and Troy Wood are pushing for first team places so there are still places up for grabs."
Preece is not expected to change much for the visit of Harriers but is forced to leave out George Clegg after the former Manchester United trai-nee injured an ankle against Sheffield and had to be replaced by Warmer.
For Harriers, today's match is their last run out before they host St Albans in the Conference next Saturday.
Mark Yates' troops were beaten 5-1 by Coventry City at Aggborough on Tuesday but the manager isn't dwelling on that scoreline.
Yates said: "We are not bothered about results, that starts next week.
"We are just looking to put in a decent performance. They (Coventry) are a very good side. My lads have responded well in training.
"We will be putting out a team that's ready to give Worcester a game. We are looking forward to the game as the final bit of preparation for the season."
Injury-free Harriers are likely to field former Blackburn Rovers defender Jeff Kenna, who managed 78 minutes against the Sky Blues.
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