THE season might almost be at an end but Worcester City have a new lease of life.

After enduring one of the worst runs in the club’s history — nine consecutive defeats — the St George’s Lane team have now won three of their last four matches.

The players appear rejuvenated and head to Brackley tomorrow (3pm) intent on continuing their mini-revival.

A few weeks ago, this may have been a fixture to fear. But not any more, particularly as City are comfortably entrenched in mid-table and seeking a third consecutive victory following success against Bishop’s Stortford and Hinckley.

Brackley may be at the other end of the table and assured of a play-off spot but they suffered a surprise 3-1 home defeat to Colwyn Bay last Tuesday and Worcester are not about to make life easy for them either.

Manager Carl Heeley, whose side lost 2-1 to the Saints at the Lane in October, said: “Brackley are in the play-off positions and we want to test ourselves.

“We were up there for the biggest part of the season and our poor run put us in what we feel is a false position because I think the squad is better than that.

“It’s also coincided with us getting some players back to fitness as well because we look a lot stronger now.

“We feel we have a good squad and have had a great season overall. But the terrible run cost us dearly because we hadn’t been out of the top eight for the first part of the season and looked real play-off contenders.

“We should have got something out of the Brackley game at home. I thought we were the better side but got hit on the break.”

City have been boosted by the return to fitness of defensive duo Jacob Rowe and Stuart Whitehead but, Shabir Khan (groin) is still struggling.

Midfielders Matt Breeze (groin) and Matt Birley (knee) are also giving cause for concern ahead of the St James Park match.

Keepers Matt Sargeant and Glyn Thompson have thigh problems and Heeley may have to apply for emergency cover in that position.

City have sold around 2,800 tickets for the Chester City match and have 500 left. They can be purchased by calling the club office on 01905-23003.

The supporters' club are running a bus to tomorrow's match at Brackley. It leaves St George's Lane at 9.30am and seats cost £18. To book, call Keith Chambers on 07712-457698,