The circumstances around this game are far from ideal for us. Having our season planned out so that it was finished on March 9th, which was early, but in our favour. It’s been a tough season, with changes happening on and off the pitch. To finish at this point and have a good rest ahead of pre-season was perfect and needed.

Glen and I have had one eye on pre-season from the earlier weeks based on where we were at taking over. The reset happened but it will be pre-season where we can put plans in place.

It’s frustrating because we have gone six weeks without a game, with nothing to play for league-wise but the derby match. Lads have plans and an eye on the break before returning refreshed in the summer. This game could’ve been played twice at Sixways but didn’t. Now we are here anyway against the league champions, who lost one game all season and our local rivals.

When you play this City side you’d like everything to be as spot on as possible, they’ve shown they’re above this league but look, it is what it is. We have had a few sessions together, the lads are frustrated as are we but the message is simple. If we are turning up then we are turning up to give our all and represent our club in the best way possible. If we lose the game because we haven’t tried, then we won’t have that - and really it’s a pre-season extension, another test for our lads. How can they come out of the cold a bit and play this game, can they motivate themselves and give it everything for another 90 minutes? That’s useful for us to see heading into next season and when we are picking teams in April next season, because our fixture backlog is a joke - then we know who we want with us.

That said everyone fit is available for us, and credit to the lads. They’ve done their extra bits, trained, dual registered.

Unfortunately, Tom Hayward, dual registered with Stourport Swifts to stay sharp picked up a serious knee injury so is unavailable. Curtis Townley & Jordan Edwards remain out with long-term injuries that are not worth pushing too soon. Jack Horrell has also been injured but is back in training and around the lads again. Vanny Silva will miss the game due to being away. The rest of the team is available.

I'd like to thank all the supporters who have had tickets since Boxing Day, we will appreciate your support at Sixways on Tuesday night for the final time this season!

Jordan Lewis - Joint Manager