City won’t bow to Tamworth fans’ pressure

The teams go head-to-head at The Lamb for the second time in three weeks in a second qualifying round tie.

City won the Blue Square North encounter 2-0 on September 8 with goals from Adam Webster and Craig Wilding.

But the match was marred by abuse from the home fans directed at Nick Colley, an unused sub on the day, and Worcester manager Andy Preece.

Colley bore the brunt of the tirade with a contingent quick to remind him of the controversial way he left the club four years ago after he pretended to have stomach cancer.

The midfielder, who played the last 21 minutes of Saturday's 3-1 defeat at Alfreton, was also led away by stewards after the game because around 30 Tamworth supporters had gathered to confront him.

Preece's harrassment, which saw an area cordoned off behind the away dug-out, was linked to a previous visit to The Lamb as a Carlisle player.

But the City manager won't let the past cloud his judgement and is adamant Colley will make the trip to Tamworth.

He could even start if George Clegg fails to shake off a knee problem and Emeka Nwadike continues to struggle with a tight hamstring.

Preece said: "He will be involved. When the fans dictate who you play and don't play then that's the end of football.

"You can't allow that to come into your thinking. It can't be like that.

"If a player or manager goes back to an old club he's going to get a lot of stick but players can't not go back.

"I know there's circumstances surrounding Nick but he's back there now and hopefully it can be a lot better than it was last time."

The fixture will again be overseen by stewards and there are no plans for an increased police presence.

Peter Stevens, media officer for Trent Valley Police, said: "We are aware of the issues relating to Worcester and Tamworth but we are expecting the game to be played in the true spirit of football and are not expecting any incidents. The police will be on hand, as we are at most games."