MIDFIELDER John Snape has earned a pat on the back for his return to form at Marine last week.

Despite Worcester City slipping to a 2-0 defeat, assistant manager Mick Tuohy felt the ex-Hereford United player had his best game of the season.

Tuohy also paid tribute to Snape's character and influence within the dressing room.

If Snape can recapture his form of last season it will undoubtedly be a boost for John Barton's team as they bid to bring a level of consistency to their form and results.

"I thought John Snape was magnificent last week," said Tuohy.

"He's an outstanding character in the dressing room, a tremendous motivator.

"He might not have the ability of some of the other players but he has got a very big heart and I have to say I wish I could share a bit of that out to the others.

"Saturday at Marine was his best game this season. He was closing people down, getting on the end of second balls, getting in the box trying to get on the end of things and I hope his example rubs off on others."

Tuohy is hoping City can win at Eastbourne Borough today to make up for the disappointment of that Trophy defeat. The players were devastated on Saturday.

"We had 70 per cent of the possession but didn't create enough to win the game," he said.

"That has been the story of our season so far. We have been one of the better sides but just not taken our opportunities when they have arisen.

"If Adam Webster had taken his chance everything changes."

Tuohy also explained the reason for a heated exchange with a couple of City fans at the end of last week's Trophy exit. The indication was that I didn't care," he said.

"I can take whatever is thrown at me but not that. If nothing else I want success for Worcester City whether I'm here or not. It appears that a few people thought we just turned up to get a big bank roll of money and don't care about anything.

"But I had a discussion with a number of people after the game and it is done and dusted as far as I'm concerned."

Meanwhile, City have arranged their Worcestershire Senior Cup quarter-final with Western Division leaders Redditch United for Monday, January 12 at St. George's Lane (7.45).

The away Dr Martens Premier Division fixture with Bath City, postponed from January 10 due to Bath's progression in the FA Trophy, has been re-arranged for Tuesday, February 3 (7.45).