WORCESTER City will field "fringe players" in tomorrow's first competitive derby with Raiders (7.45).

Manager Ashley Vincent explained he has one eye on Sunday's biggest match of the season to date, a last-32 FA Vase clash at home to Midland Football League title contenders Coventry United.

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It means the maiden meeting between Worcester's two senior Saturday clubs in the Smedley Crooke Memorial Charity Cup first round will see several changes to the City line-up, something Vincent makes no apology for.

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"My intention is get the fringe players, lads who have not had as many minutes as they would like lately, a full 90 minutes," said Vincent.

"That is to get some boys who may have been struggling with injury some valuable game time and a selection that has in mind what is undoubtedly a big game for the club on Sunday.

"It will be a team that we hope the supporters want to see, an opportunity to get a glimpse of the boys who want to break into the first team and fringe players who want to make an impression.

"Ultimately I am looking after bodies. We have a small squad and I need to make sure we are firing and ready to go on Sunday."

Asked what he would say to supporters who may be disappointed by that call, Vincent replied: "I would ask them if they had both games to manage, which one would you want to be preparing for?

"I am not underestimating the game on Wednesday at all, I understand the supporters.

"There is an opportunity for them to see what Worcester City youth is developing. It is a game for them to see lads who they may be calling for to play in the future.

"My job is to manage the club, not only game by game but with an eye on the whole season and make the decisions that I think are right for the club. That is what I am doing."

One senior star that could hit the comeback trail against Raiders is centre-half Joe Hawkins.

The early-season recruit from Cradley Town has been out with a hamstring complaint since the end of October having withdrawn from a county cup tie against Malvern Town.

"Joe was on the bench on Saturday," added Vincent.

"I didn't plan to use him because I felt it was too early. He may play some part in the game on Wednesday night and hopefully he in the reckoning for Sunday.

"That said, we will not put too much pressure on him. He has been out for a while."

Admission prices have been cut to £5 for adults and £3 for concessions for the tie at the Victoria Ground, Bromsgrove.

Under-16s can attend for free.