EVESHAM United boss Paul West has warned his players are there to be shot at as they look to bounce back from a rare defeat at Woodford United on Saturday (3pm).

The Robins fell to their first British Gas Business Division One Midlands loss in 11 matches on New Year's Day when they were beaten by Bishop's Cleeve 1-0.

Now title-chasing Evesham must get their quest for glory back on track.

"We are odds-on favourites to be leading the pack with the position we are in, so we have to realise that teams are going to raise their game against us," West said.

"Is it a good or a bad thing? Personally I think that it is a great thing.

"There are no excuses for the defeat against Bishop's Cleeve, we just didn't take our chances.

"To be honest, I think this has been coming for a few weeks now, but what we have to do is make sure that we get our heads right for Saturday."

The Robins will look to inflict more misery on the Byfield Road side as they have lost their last three games, but West knows it will not be easy.

The Daventry outfit came agonisingly close to reaching the play-offs last season, although they are languishing at the wrong end of the table this time around.

West added: "They have quality players and they will be looking to kick-start their season. A win against us will give them a massive boost."

He is set to welcome back striker James Knott into the squad but will be without defender Michael Hayden who serves a one-match ban for his dismissal at Sutton Coldfield Town.

Former Kidderminster Harriers forward Gary Hay is looking to make his first start since his move from Bromsgrove Rovers, while Simon Fitter, Paul Bonar, Steve Duncan and Mark Hands are all nearing full fitness.