JOHN Barton has stressed his Worcester City side must hit the ground running in tomorrow's clash at Cambridge City (3pm).

The St George's Lane club return to league action at Milton Road after a two-week lay-off with City manager Barton warning there is no room for a below-par display.

City's upturn in fortunes, which has seen them unbeaten in six games, has coincided with rivals dropping points, leaving the club well-placed to mount a challenge for a top three spot.

"We have to ensure the lay-off doesn't halt the progress we have made in the last month or so," said Barton. "We want to make sure the rest has been beneficial and ensure there is no negative impact."

Dr Martens Premier Division leaders Crawley are five points ahead of City, but third-placed Stafford faltered again in mid-week, crashing to a 3-1 defeat at Newport County, leaving Worcester just a point behind but with a game in hand.

The next seven days could be pivotal in deciding the outcome of the championship race with Stafford entertaining Crawley tomorrow, while next Saturday sees Crawley at home to second-placed Weymouth.

For Barton though talk of the title is strictly off limits. "We don't discuss anything except the next game," he said.

Tomorrow's challengers Cambridge lie 11th in the table, five points behind City, but having played two games more.

With back to back draws against high-flying Stafford and Hinckley United, the Cambridge will be a tough hurdle for Barton's team to negotiate, and with the memory of last season's 1-0 defeat at Milton Road, there is no room for complacency.

"It's all right thinking everybody else is dropping points but unless you take care of business at your end it doesn't matter," said Barton.

The City boss has slight worries ahead of tomorrow's trip with defender Jon Holloway and striker Mark Owen, both suffering from illness, but expects both to be fit. Full-back Paul Carty is suspended.