GOALS -- who needs them -- well City do and quickly if they want to sustain their title challenge.

All bar one of the top 14 teams of the Dr Martens Premier Division has scored more goals than City's tally of 17.

It's not a telling statistic just yet, but could be sooner rather than later if they cannot find the net on a more regular basis.

Thankfully Worcester's profligacy in front of goal is compensated for by the best defensive record in the league -- but Danny McDonnell and Co are not always going to be able to keep clean sheets.

Assistant manager Mick Tuohy says the team are not creating many chances at present and the statistics bare that out with just two goals scored in five games.

The search for goals is turning into a Holy Grail for manager John Barton and on a flying visit to Barcelona I believe he might even be making enquiries about Patrick Kluivert!

Should he be unavailable then Adam Wilde (if he joins) may not be the only new addition to the City squad with a striker top of the most wanted list.

Ironically Worcester actually possess the league's leading scorer in Darren Middleton and after a spell in midfield Barton must surely restore him to the frontline.

Mark Owen is still metaphorically finding his feet after serious injury while Adam Webster has just three goals to his name this season though he contributes in other areas with his link up play and high energy game.

The goal problem is a conundrum for Barton and his staff to solve but after the giant strides he's made already this season I'm sure he will tackle the issue head on and soon.

n Defender Marc Burrow's spirits have been lifted after a significant improvement in his back injury.

The 24-year-old's slipped disc has benefited from manipulation and he is optimistic about returning to fitness sooner or later.

It's good news for Burrow who has cut a forlorn figure since picking up the injury his back in a pre- season friendly at Stourport Swifts and which, at one point, left him fearing he might well need surgery.

Hopefully that has been averted and the six-footer can make a complete recovery. His versatility last year made him a key player and saw him make 30 starts.

n Asa Charlton is another defender who looks to have put his injury worries behind him after emerging through two games in three days and will be back in contention for a place for Saturday's visit by Ilkeston Town.