WITH all the off-field politics at St George’s Lane, the significance of Worcester City’s FA Trophy third qualifying round match against AFC Wimbledon has almost slipped under the radar.

City have not won a match in any of the three major cup competitions — FA Cup, FA Trophy and Setanta Shield — for nearly two years.

After falling at the first hurdle in each last season, their last success came when they defeated Burton Albion 2-1 in the FA Trophy second round on January 13, 2007.

Manager Richard Dryden is trying to avoid another season without at least one win in the money-spinning events and £4,000 is on the line tomorrow (3pm).

He said: “It seems a long time but this is my first season in the cups with Worcester. I was very disappointed to go out of the other cups so early so it would be nice to get a good little trophy run going.

“The money doesn’t really come into the equation on the day but for the club long-term it’s money that is needed.”

Nearly 1,500 fans turned out to witness the Burton triumph and Dryden will hope for a similar impact this time around.

AFC Wimbledon brought in excess of 700 supporters for the Blue Square South meeting on October 4 and the bumper crowd inspired City to a memorable 3-2 win.

Dryden said: “You can’t beat playing in a good atmosphere and it was probably the best we have had down the Lane since I have been here.

“We went out to win the game, as did they. If we can replicate that with the result, it would be fantastic.

“We have to take the game to them. I think you have to against these teams as, if you stand off and let them play, they will beat most teams in our league.”

However, Dryden is looking for better from his team following last Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Thurrock.

He said: “At the moment we are playing well one game and then dropping off in the next with the same team and it’s annoying to say the least.

“We have proved all season that we can beat the likes of Wimbledon but also we can lose to teams such as Thurrock and Bognor Regis.”

Shabir Khan and Graham Ward both missed training on Tuesday with minor knocks but are expected to feature.

Wimbldeon have endured a dismal couple of weeks with a 3-2 defeat at leaders Chelmsford, a 4-1 FA Cup thrashing by Wycombe and a 2-2 draw at Welling last weekend.

Worcester City Supporters Trust are holding an open meeting in the social club after the match at 5pm. They have invited all those standing at the AGM to speak to fans.