MANAGER John Snape admits Worcester City’s top-two target is looking like a long shot after losing more ground at the weekend.

City’s 1-1 draw at Boldmere St Michaels made it three matches without victory for the first time this season at a time when their promotion rivals have hit form.

Bromsgrove Sporting’s 3-1 win over Haughmond makes them champions elect, while Highgate United’s sixth straight victory saw them steal a march in the race for second.

Coleshill Town drew 1-1 at Westfields and still occupy second on goal difference but Highgate have two games in hand on them and Worcester.

City trail both by four points with five games to go.

“It is getting away now,” said Snape.

“I always said we had to win as many games as we could, it was important for us to win this one and we couldn’t.

“There is a gap there. There was no lack of effort or commitment from the lads, we had a lot of the play but for some reason we could not find that cutting edge.

“I think we overplayed, took too many touches and the tempo was not quick enough at times.

“That said, there was a smashing ball in for Ben Robinson to go and finish. The keeper made a great save but we had to score there.

“James Baldwin also had a chance to roll in and sliced wide. They gave us a few scares but I felt it was two points dropped.

“Joel Ambalu took his time and produced a great, composed finish but others snatched at things in front of goal and a draw was probably the right result.

“They were difficult to break down like they were at our place. All we can do now is look forward to Tuesday, make sure we’re ready and try to get maximum points from Stourport Swifts.”

The match proved a landmark occasion for three of City’s players with Mat Birley making his 150th appearance for the club while under-21 prospects Sean Dayus and Ethan Moran enjoyed maiden senior starts.

“Mat is a shining example of how a professional should conduct himself,” said Snape.

“Whatever the level, he has always approached the game in the same way and is a classy performer.

"His knowhow and attitude is great to have around the dressing room, particularly with the young, talented players we have coming through.

“Sean was in due to injury and I was gutted that he did not get a clean sheet because he deserved it. The goal was a bit cheap, it went all the way across the back-line for a back-post tap-in.

“Ethan impressed from the bench against Rugby and warranted a start. He showed some promise and this match proved how important these under-21 lads could be for us moving forward.

“We are looking to the youth and the biggest positive from the day was them getting valuable minutes.”