FOOTBALL is a game littered with clichs -- goals win matches, take each game as it comes, it's a game of two halves, it only takes a second to score a goal, if we score more goals than them we'll win, early doors, etc -- the list goes on!.

But there is a grain of truth in this hot-potch of accumulated football wisdom, and in two recent outings Worcester City have been left to reflect on another which is that if you don't take your chances you won't win your matches.

John Barton's team have now put together three good performances on the trot but unfortunately have been forced to concede draws when three points were beckoning.

The latest instance came on Saturday when City defended stoutly to weather the Havant & Waterlooville storm that raged for 20 minutes.

But then they misplaced their shooting boots when presented with chances at the other end of the pitch.

Chief culprit at the moment is Darren Middleton who missed a glorious chance in the second half and also spurned two efforts in the 1-1 draw at Newport Isle of Wight.

Midfielder Middleton has been a revelation and has illuminated much of City's play this season and indeed scored a brilliant last minute winner against Hinckley United.

His pace and vision can transform defence into attack in a flash and when in full flow with the ball at his feet there is a buzz of excitement that goes round the ground.

But scoring goals on any kind of regular basis is as much a knack as anything to do with ability and though Middleton certainly has the latter the question remains to see if he has the former -- time will tell.

In isolation missed chances are mere trifles in a long and arduous campaign but already City have effectively dropped four points at Newport Isle of Wight and at home to Havant.

Barton's side have overcome a difficult start to the season to play some great attacking football and, in performance level demonstrate their true title credentials.

But unless Worcester can start putting their opportunities away when it counts then more points will go begging and a promotion challenge could be thwarted.

City's ability to score is not in doubt -- three each against Weymouth and Moor Green and four past Hinckley United is ample proof of that.

But what is in question is the ability to score when it matters because in the great shake up at the end of the season dropped points can come back to haunt you!