CARETAKER boss John Snape backed Worcester’s cautious approach in spite of grumbles from the terraces in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Curzon Ashton.

Fans were keen to see City show more urgency to push for a late goal that would have boosted their National North survival bid.

Home supporters last enjoyed a win at the Victoria Ground back in November, a situation not helped by a record of 11 goals in 20 league matches since the start of December.

But having increased to three points the advantage over relegation rivals Gainsborough, Snape insisted his troops were right to strike a careful balance.

“Those who moan and groan, I know they care, I just think players need to make decisions out there,” said Snape.

“Even on a bobbly pitch, we still want to avoid bashing it forward.

“We are desperate for that win as well but sometimes, you want to avoid getting caught late on like we have done in the past – Bradford Park Avenue comes to mind.

“We ended the day with a point more than we had at the start of it and I am happy with that.

"Their goal was disappointing but after that, we limited their chances and did okay.”

Gainsborough lost 1-0 at home to Stockport but many predicted City would need a maximum haul with promotion hopefuls Chorley, Stockport, Salford and Fylde still to come.

Quizzed on which side had momentum going into the final furlong, Snape replied: “Both teams are scrapping to stay in this division.

“At Telford, where I felt we were unlucky, and in this match I felt we worked hard enough to survive. That’s the plan from now until the end of the season.

“Yes, we would all like a bit more quality but I think the lads gave the lot and I could not question their commitment.

“The endeavour was there and it has to be in the final four games, we don’t want to go out with a whimper. We want to have a go but it is about points on the board.

“People kept telling me we wouldn’t get another point this season. Well, we got one and again I felt disappointed not to take all three. We go again at Chorley on Friday.”

Meanwhile, Snape revealed experienced campaigner Junior English could make his return against either Stockport on Bank Holiday Monday or Salford on the penultimate Saturday of the season.

English has been out since limping off in the 1-0 win at Stalybridge at the end of last month.

“I spoke to Junior and hopefully, he will be available before the end of the season,” said Snape.

“A week ago, that looked very doubtful but a lad of his make-up will want to be a part of this. I think he is a player who can help us across the line.”