WORCESTER City have been told to show Nuneaton Borough they are a better side than when the teams last met.

Borough won twice at St George's Lane in November, triumphing 2-1 in the Setanta Shield and thrashing City 4-0 in Blue Square North seven days later.

The latter result was John Barton's last home match in caretaker charge and led him to label the performance as woeful'.

Things have improved considerably since Richard Dryden took over but the current City manager wants his side to prove it tomorrow (3pm).

"I think we are steadily getting stronger as a squad," Dryden said.

"I know a lot of the lads were upset about getting beaten by them and I am looking for a response to those two defeats.

"No-one likes getting beaten 4-0, especially at home. It will be a marker to see how far we have come in six weeks."

A victory for City would make them the first team to inflict a league defeat on Nuneaton at their new Liberty Way stadium since Burscough triumphed there way back on August 25.

Kevin Wilkin's team have won four of their last five matches and are currently knocking on the door of the play-offs in sixth place.

But Richard Dryden's side defeated Hinckley last Saturday and are gunning for their Warwickshire rivals.

The manager said: "I think there are four or five clubs who are outside the play-offs having a right go at it and we want to be in the mix at the end of the season.

"It's going to be a massive game. They are strong at home, they have got a large pitch and use it well."

Worcester will once again be without Chris Smith as the captain continues to struggle with the ankle injury that has kept him out of the last two games.

Ryan Clarke is expected to be fit to partner Jon Munday again in the centre of defence, despite suffering with a back complaint.

Jonny Harkness, City's second loan signing from Kidderminster Harriers following the capture of Munday, comes in at left-back.

Dryden said: "Chris won't play unless we have a miracle.

"It's a big gap to fill but we have still got Ryan playing in there as a centre-half. If he's got to stay there for a bit he's more than willing to do so."

Dryden hoped Rapinder Gill would be fit enough to resume training last night after he left the field against Redditch on New Year's Day with an ankle injury.

Fellow defender Kevin Spencer could be on the bench again after making a speedy recovery from suspected knee ligament damage. Striker Mark Danks should be involved despite a knee problem.

Nuneaton are expected to be without veteran former West Brom and Kidderminster centre-half Daryl Burgess with a groin problem and midfielder Carl Palmer (hamstring) is doubtful.

Former Hereford United full-back Simon Travis could also feature.