WORCESTER City need to start “grinding out clean sheets”, insists manager Carl Heeley whose frustration continues to grow over his side’s early-season form.

Rivals Gloucester City condemned the Blue and Whites to a third straight defeat in National League North on Tuesday.

Luke Hopper capitalised on woeful defending at the Victoria Ground with a second-half hat-trick to clinch a 3-2 victory over Worcester, who have picked up one point from their opening four games.

Worcester’s loss came just a few days after being thumped 3-0 at league leaders FC Halifax Town.

“We need to start grinding out clean sheets and don’t look like doing that at the moment,” said Heeley, whose decision to hand Sam Oji his debut back-fired as the experienced defender was at fault for two Gloucester goals.

“It’s tough and not a pleasant feeling at the moment.”

To add to City’s woes, striker Lee Hughes will miss the next three games after being red carded at Halifax.

Left-back Cieron Keane is also banned for Saturday’s trip to FC United of Manchester (3pm) after getting sent off in the same game.

Centre-back Kieron Morris (hand), midfielder Connor Gater (toe) and left-back Tyler Weir (ankle) are all battling to return.

Heeley said he needed as many players available as possible as they look to kickstart their campaign at Broadhurst Park, where they beat FC United 2-0 last season.

Many fans voiced their dismay at City’s performance in midweek but Heeley admitted their frustrations “did not come close” to his as he tries to find a solution for his side’s problems.

“I know the fans are frustrated but, with the greatest of respect, I am more concerned with my own frustrations with the players,” Heeley added.

“I can understand their frustration but I have got no words for them because we have put a lot of time into this and are trying to put things right.”