CASH-strapped they maybe but Worcester City's board must wring out every last penny to support John Barton's brilliant start to the season.

Dr Michael Sorensen and co are faced with a dilemma which, given the bank's tight hold on their purse strings, could be beyond their control.

Do they stand still, rely on steering clear of injuries and settle for a top six spot, or do they gamble and go for broke in a bid to reach the Conference and catapult the St George's Lane club back to where it belongs.

Barton needs a fresh injection of players -- David Foy's injury, Stewart Hadley's impending surgery, Marc Burrow's back and Michael Blackwood's imminent departure -- testify to that.

The point is that City have been presented with a fleeting glimpse of a brighter future and even if it is just a glimmer must surely strike while the iron is hot!

Does the club have the ambition, wherewithal, desire, commitment and ability to take the next step? Now is the point, if they fulfil the above criteria, to begin planning because success this season could be the springboard to a new future, new stadium and a great chance to tap the vast wells of support around the city.

Miss this opportunity, see the bank's interest rates further strangle the finances, then, however much a miracle worker Barton may be, failure to seize the initiative could just consign the club to a living hell of eternal damnation in the Dr Martens Premier Division with endless trips round the M25 and just the odd FA Cup fixture to remind City of past glories.

More than 1,500 braved a miserable, wet night on Monday -- a terrific turnout and a pointer to what City could expect if the success continues.

But for Barton to capitalise on the club's best opportunity in years he needs a helping hand. Let's hope the board, a bank, mystery benefactor or someone comes forward to give City a realistic tilt at the title.

* Stewart Hadley will have a lump shaved off his Achilles a week today and faces between three to six months off, but either way is going to miss the best part of the season.

After already missing the last five months it is a kick in the teeth the striker does not need. "If I'd had the operation at the end of the season at least I would have had the summer but now I'm looking at another five months."

* Marc Burrow, diagnosed with a possible slipped disc, has a tentative return date of three weeks but at the moment can only run on the spot.