DEFIANT caretaker boss John Snape insists he is still relishing Worcester City’s “topsy-turvy” relegation battle despite slumping closer to the drop zone.

Scott Leather’s 62nd-minute goal saw off the National League North strugglers in a 1-0 loss at play-off chasing Chorley.

Only goal difference now keeps City out of the bottom three after relegation rivals Gainsborough Trinity beat Salford City 1-0.

Worcester can also be overtaken by second-from-bottom Stalybridge Celtic, who travel to Gloucester City tomorrow, if they win their two games in hand.  

City’s last three games are against top-seven sides as they host Stockport County on Easter Monday (3pm) and Salford the following Saturday before travelling to leaders AFC Fylde on the final day.

“Why should I be concerning myself with what Gainsborough are doing?” said Snape.

“If we are going to stay in this division we need to win between now and the end of the season. That’s the aim.

“Who would have thought Stalybridge would beat Fylde and Kidderminster and Gainsborough would beat Salford?

“It is a topsy-turvy time and still exciting for me. I saw the players give their all against Chorley.

“The goals have not come but I want to see us fight until the end of the season and have a right good go.”

Snape was impressed with Ethan Ross who saved a first-half penalty.

The keeper was recalled as work commitments meant Nathan Vaughan struggled to make the kick-off time.

“Nathan travelled up on his own and got here as quick as he could but Ethan was excellent,” said Snape who was without Cieron Keane due to illness.