MANAGER John Barton remains confident he can turn Worcester City's fortunes around despite back-to-back defeats against Dover and Stafford.

The St George's Lane boss's upbeat assessment followed an improved showing at the Hoverspeed Stadium at the weekend in which they were denied a point by a controversial winner.

City, who have won just five of their last 16 matches, now face a daunting league programme for the remainder of January with clashes against Newport, Nuneaton, Crawley and leaders Weymouth (subject to their involvement in the FA Trophy).

But Barton insists if his side emulates the spirit and commitment on display at Dover, then City can get back on track.

"Results will come our way, I'm convinced of that," he said.

"We had to take a lot of criticism, which we've taken on board, and it's a shame that the Dover performance was not at home.

"It merited a victory and it could have been one had it not been for the inadequacies of the officials.

"Hopefully if we perform like that every time then the results will come.

"The performance was strong, enthusiastic and it was just a pity we didn't get something at the end of it."

The 2-1 defeat leaves City in ninth place in the Dr Martens Premier Division, just four places above the cut off zone for automatic entry into next season's new Conference set up.

Pressure is on Barton to ensure they fill one of the top 13 slots but City's manager vowed to stay strong.

"The situation is no worse than when I first came to the club," said Barton.

"It's been hard work but the game is hard work, particularly here, and I don't see that changing."

One plus point for Barton was an assured league debut from teenage midfielder Liam McDonald at Dover, who came in at the last with Worcester down to the bare bones through sickness and injury.

"I was pleased with Liam's performance," said Barton.

"It was his first game and from experience I've seen a few debuts now and that's the easiest game - the first one.

"Now he's got to go out and repeat it."

City's youth team are in quarter-final action tonight when they entertain Dudley in the Worcestershire FA Youth Cup at St George's Lane (7.30).