WORCESTER City’s players need to “man up” and be prepared to “get hurt” in a bid to clinch their first National League North win in more than four months.

That's the message from caretaker boss John Snape who was disappointed with his side’s 2-0 defeat to Boston United.

With Boston struggling for form and hampered by injuries, Snape admitted City had pinned their hopes on getting their first three points since November on Saturday.

But a 22nd minute penalty from Adam Chapman and a free-kick just before half-time from Louis Briscoe saw the visitors extend Worcester’s winless streak in the league to 17 matches.

“This was a game we needed to win and this was the one you are always going to pin your hopes on,” said Snape.

“We started the game very well and I have got no issues with the commitment. That was there.

“But the first goal was a blow.

“After that, I thought it was even-stevens.

“But we have probably had six or seven corners in the first half. We had one free header from the first one and we have not hit the target so it is our own doing.

“There is nobody feeling sorry for themselves. You have got to man up, you got to be brave and have a bit of quality when it matters. At the moment we are a little bit short.”

After falling behind to Chapman’s spot-kick, City were awarded a penalty themselves seven minutes later.

But Jordan Murphy’s effort was saved by goalkeeper Ross Durrant before the forward smashed the follow-up against the crossbar.

However, Snape was more frustrated with his side’s inability to make the most of their corners and believed they were “second best in both boxes”.

“Last week against Nuneaton we had seven or eight corners in the second half and we had about the same amount in the first half against Boston,” he said.

“But we have not threatened the goal.

“That was the disappointing thing.

“Those two boxes are the key to any football match and at the moment we are second best in both of them for whatever reason.

“It is about showing the desire to get in there and get hurt. I have got no issues with the delivery.

“But at the end of the day it is about who wants to score the most and that has probably been the story of our season so far.”

Despite the defeat, City remain outside of the relegation zone on goal-difference as third-from-bottom Gainsborough Trinity lost 1-0 at Tamworth.

Worcester will have the chance to bounce back when they host mid-table Brackley Town on Tuesday night (7.45pm).