It's 1st versus 2nd on Saturday afternoon as City kick-off the festive period with a top of the table clash at home to Corsham Town at Claines Lane.
Following Corsham's 4-1 win over our neighbours Worcester Raiders last weekend, the Wiltshire outfit have drawn level on points with City in the Hellenic Premier Division, having played three games more. City's superior goal difference - nine goals better off despite having played three fewer games - has ensured that they head into this one top of the table.
Both sides met back in October, where a lightning start from Chris Cornes' side saw City race into a 3-0 lead in the first half, but an Adam Mace red card and resulting scored penalty ensured a nervy second 45 minutes. City held on, despite another stoppage time penalty from Corsham, to set the tone for the resulting weeks and the 11-game winning run the club would continue on.
Since that Saturday in October, Corsham haven't lost a league game. In their seven matches since, they have won five and drawn twice. They were however knocked out of the FA Vase by Hamble Club in early November. They have strengthened their ranks in recent weeks with players joining experienced in steps higher in the pyramid.
City meanwhile are also unbeaten in the five matches since the Corsham win, having overcome Hereford Lads Club, Royal Wootton Bassett and Highworth, and drawing with Slimbridge and Fairford. Confidence has remained high around the squad which will be needed in this packed-out festive schedule.
Cornes' side were boosted at the weekend by the return of Connor Gater to the starting line-up. Connor had been out of action since the Highworth victory at the start of the month, and his return bolsters the midfield options available for this one. Jamie Insall has been Chris' preferred choice to lead the front line in recent weeks, and was also named the club's Player of the Month for November earlier this week. Dylan Hart's return to goals on Saturday will give Chris a good problem to have going into this one.
Kyle Belmonte also continued his exceptional form this season with the second in the Boston Town win on Saturday, notching his 18th goal in just 21 games for City this season, an excellent haul for a number 10. Liam Lockett, turning provider for Hart's opener, still leads the way on 20 for the campaign.
Corsham's top goalscorer this season, Daniel Price, bagged a brace in the Raiders win last weekend, to take him to 12 for the season in all competitions.
For this game we have THREE car parks available:
ON SITE AT THE GROUND: SOLD OUT. Do not attempt to park at the ground without pre-payment. PLEASE ARRIVE BEFORE 2.45PM IF YOU PURCHASE ONSITE PARKING.
RGS THE GRANGE, Grange Lane, Worcester, WR3 7RR. £2 payable at the entrance - cash only. This Car Park entry closes at 2.55pm.
and THE RIVER SCHOOL, School Bank, Worcester, WR3 7ST. £3 payable at the entrance - cash only.
PLEASE DO NOT PARK IN ANY OF THE LANES SURROUNDING THE GROUND - anyone doing so will be refused entry to the ground.
We produce a parking map for every home game as part of our Match Day plan, which can be found in our Matchday Information page on the website. The parking maps are also available as downloads with online match ticket purchases and to those who pre-pay for parking.