JOHN Barton is in no rush to plug the gap left by Dan Jones' departure from Worcester City to Halesowen Town.

City's manager revealed he has a couple of long term targets but won't be hurried into any hasty signings despite also losing Mitch Counsell and youngster Dean Smith inside the last 10 days.

The versatile Jones, who started City's opening three games at left-back, signed for the Yeltz for an undisclosed four-figure fee last Friday.

Worcester are in action tonight when they make the trip to Weston-Super-Mare bidding to regain top spot in the Dr Martens Premier Division from Nuneaton Borough who beat Chelmsford City 2-1 last night.

The St George's Lane manager's defensive options are currently restricted with Barry Woolley (cracked ribs) and Kevin Halliday (knee) sidelined and just Dan Parker the only other recognised defender.

"We are mindful that but it is a balancing act and, if need to, we can step on the gas and bring someone in for the short term," he said.

"We've got a couple of long-term targets that we've been tracking for 18 months now, but are no nearer to signing because of their contractual situation.

"The situation regarding Dan Jones was that he wanted to play first team football but I couldn't guarantee that.

"Halesowen came up with an offer which was acceptable and we made the decision accordingly.

"In the case of all three lads that have left -- none of them were shown the door."

Meanwhile, midfielders David Holmes and Pat Lyons will be added to City's squad tonight, while Barton is again likely to resist the temptation to play a less than fully fit David Foy.

The midfielder has been hampered by a hydracele (a build up of fluid near his groin area) which needs draining off.

"Once that is done we can see exactly if there is any underlying problem," said Barton.

"As it stands we are keeping him in reserve on the bench at present but it is very tempting to play him, as it is with Pat Lyons because of the type of players they are and the benefits they bring to the team."

Promoted Weston have won just once so far at their Woodspring Park ground when they beat Cambridge City 1-0 on the opening day of the season.

FORMCAST: City can go back to the top of the table with a 1-0 win.