WORCESTER City are relishing the chance to renew their county rivalry with Redditch United at St George’s Lane tonight (7.45), according to manager Richard Dryden.

The Worcestershire Senior Cup quarter-final clash will be the first time the teams have locked horns since last season’s final when Redditch ran out winners.

Gary Whild’s Blue Square North outfit won 2-0 at the Lane in April to overturn City’s one-goal first-leg advantage given to them by teenage defender Craig Brown at the Valley Stadium.

City have been starved of local derbies following their switch to Blue Square South and the county cup is their only chance to take on teams for local bragging rights.

Boss Dryden said: “It’s nice to win cup games and against Redditch there’s a bit of extra spice because they are our closest rivals.

“I was upset we were beaten last year but that’s happened now. Both clubs will want to win it to get through to the next round and see if we can make the final.

“They are only just down the road. It’s a good derby for us because when you look at our Christmas programme our only derbies are with Newport County.”

Left-back Shabir Khan (ankle) and on-loan midfielder Michael McGrath, who Kidderminster Harriers do not want cup-tied, have both been ruled out of the match.

Striker and skipper Craig Wilding is a doubt but Dryden intends to field a strong side given that City did not play at the weekend.

He said: “Two weeks without a game is a long time and it’s nice to have a bit of a rest but this game has probably fallen well for us.

“I am fully expecting them to play their strongest side.”

Admission is £6 for adults and £2 concessions.