IF a week is a long time in politics -- then three weeks can seem like an eternity in football.

And that's certainly been the case at Worcester City, who during that space of time have rose from the depths of despair to the fringes of the Dr Martens League Premier Division title race.

After their Bank Holiday disaster at Merthyr Tydfil when they crashed 4-1 in inept fashion and slumped into the bottom six, there were rumblings of discontent among the fans, mainly at the lack of depth in the squad.

But that now seems an awfully long time ago as City, courtesy of a run of four wins in five games, raced temporarily up to fourth place.

Last night's 3-2 defeat at Bath City dropped them back to seventh, but other results were favourable and they are still only six points off the top and within striking distance of making a title challenge.

Yet manager John Barton is still refusing to get carried away, and wants his players to keep his feet firmly on the ground.

Indeed, he wasn't too concerned even after the Merthyr debacle. "I wouldn't have called it a crisis. You try and do your best and keep a level playing field.

"It was more of a mystery in the inconsistency of playing performances. The biggest problem has been conceding goals in the manner we have been conceding them.

"We have tightened up a little bit but we are nowhere near what it needs to be yet.

"When you have players sitting in the stands we found that the side was picking itself. But if we just stick with it, it will get better when we get injured players back.

"The response that has come from them since the Merthyr game has been good. It has been a dogged response and we have stuck it out and toughed it out with teams.

"Some of the games haven't been classics but we have shown plenty of resolve and stuck in there, and the proof of that has been the fact that we have nicked a few late goals."

Perhaps the catalyst for the revival has been striker Carl Tranter, who has yet to be on the losing side for City.

He has grabbed three goals in four games and his unselfish play has also brought out the best in the prolific Mark Owen, who has netted five in those four matches.

Paul Carty's return in the last game at Cambridge and his exceptional form means City can only benefit, providing he stays fit.

With other injured players still to return the future is looking bright, but City still have to address their problems at the back -- their tally of 19 goals conceded in nine games is well above any other side in the top bracket.

Barton added: "When things are going well and everyone is patting you on the back, you are not as good as what people tell you.

"By the same token, when criticism and flak is flying around, you are not always as bad as that either.

"It is very tight and can quickly turn around. I don't think the league really settles down until 10-12 games have been played, and then you can see a little bit of a pattern emerging.

"But it is a strange situation. You wouldn't have had Clevedon one place off the bottom judging by how they played against us, and we are a little bit above both the teams we have lost to.

"Let's keep it balanced and constructive and as realistic as we can, and we will take what comes when it comes."

City hope to continue their improved form on Saturday when Salisbury City visit St George's Lane.

Next Tuesday, Telford United play the last of their six 'home' Nationwide Conference games at Worcester, against Kettering Town.