JOHN Barton's no-nonsense attitude doesn't brook much self pity but even he must have thought 'why me' after City's 2-1 defeat at Dover.

Even the most ardent Whites fan would acknowledge City's efforts while the dubious nature of Tommy Tyne's winner just added insult to injury for Barton.

City's boss probably believes if Tyne had dived off the nearby White Cliffs, he would have won a penalty - and yes, with Barton's luck at present, I think he would.

Napoleon was famously asked whether he preferred courageous generals or brilliant generals to which the pint-sized military-man replied 'neither' he wanted lucky generals.

Barton might not have luck on his side but he still has to engineer a change in City's fortunes, and quickly.

Football waits for no man and Barton has often remarked on the capacity of the game to kick you in the teeth and at the current rate will soon be in need of dentures.

City's manager will be hoping January doesn't prove his Waterloo but badly needs to put some points on the board to shore up their position in the top 13 of the Dr Martens Premier Division to ensure qualification for next year's revamped Conference set up.

It's difficult to believe that they won't safely reach that goal but there's no disputing the stormclouds that would gather if clashes with Newport, Nuneaton and Crawley yielded nothing.

City may not be contesting the title but with what's at stake, those matches should be tremendous, if not nerve-jangling affairs.

Despite defeat in Dover at the weekend there was some ground for optimism, especially the energy and commitment levels on display.

'Honest bunch' is the phrase often used to describe City's players but they need to start producing on a regular basis what they were brought to the club for - their skills on a football pitch.

Their manager has stood by them through some mixed displays at best, and in the midst of a decidedly rocky patch of his tenure, he needs them to deliver, collectively and individually.

One bright note from the weekend was the assured display of Liam McDonald. While it may have been only injury and sickness that booked him a starting role, he grabbed the opportunity with both hands and deserves another chance.

His composure and ability to pick out a pass gave City added threat in what has been the problem area of central midfield.

Worcester's academy coach Ray Woods reckons he has a few more gems under his wings and they might yet get the chance to sparkle if McDonald's debut was anything to go by.