WORCESTER City's title aspirations face a rigorous examination on the opening day of the season tomorrow with the visit of highly rated Weymouth.

The Dorset side finished last season's Dr Martens Premier Division in fifth spot, three places ahead of City, although just one point separated the teams.

City have not beaten Weymouth in the league since a 3-0 home victory two seasons ago.

Andy Mason's team took four points from six against John Barton's men last season, but despite a 0-0 draw at St George's Lane, the Terras have not managed to win at Worcester since they were promoted to the Dr Martens Premier three years ago.

Barton has brought in five summer signings to strengthen the squad and believes if his team can significantly improve on last year then City could well be challenging for promotion.

The arrival of strikers Darren Middelton and Phil Stant has boosted Bartons's attacking options.

This should increase City's goals ratio, which was the lowest among the top eight sides last year, with just 52 from 42 games.

Barton is keen City take something from their opening fixtures against Weymouth and away at Kettering Town on Tuesday, in order to generate more support at the club.

"It is important we try and make a decent start to the campaign.

"If we can get away to a good start and look serious contenders then people will come and have a look at us and that is the key to it all," said Barton.

"It is a tough opening fixture and I would expect Weymouth to be up there in the reckoning. Both Weymouth and Kettering are hard games for us and they represent good challenges."

Middleton, is expected to start against Weymouth and City's injury crisis has eased with Matt Gardiner and Ian Reed both completing 90 minutes football on Monday night in a reserve match.

Mark Shepherd also played half a game and there were full run outs for Paul Wyatt and Jamie Hyde. Nathan Jukes who turned an ankle last week is back in training but Paul Carty (ankle) is doubtful.