JON Holloway is backing Worcester City to make a late charge for the Dr Martens Premier Division title.

The combative defender returned to the starting line-up in last week's 4-0 win over Nuneaton after almost four months out with a groin problem.

And if City can put together a run of victories, including against mid-table Welling United tomorrow, Holloway feels they've still got a chance of making up a 12-point gap on leaders Weymouth.

City can go third if they win tomorrow and Holloway said: "I still believe we've got a chance. We still have to go to Weymouth and Crawley have to come to us.

"Weymouth have got a small lead up at the top but from the results they have had, they do seem to concede goals and they will drop points.

"We need to be more consistent and we need to go on a serious run of wins. It was a great performance last Saturday but it won't count for anything if we slip up tomorrow."

Holloway was pleased with his contribution alongside Carl Heeley in the centre of defence against Nuneaton, in what was his first league start since being injured in the game at Nuneaton in early October.

"It is great to be back playing after the longest spell I have ever had out injured," he said.

"You can do as much work in the gym and in training as you like, but there is nothing like playing games to get your match fitness and sharpness back.

"I admit I was blowing a bit in the last 20 minutes and my legs were getting stiff, but I trained well this week and after a couple more games I shouldn't be too far away.

"Nuneaton weren't as strong as they normally are up front which helped.

"The result was a bit of justice for us because we were unlucky to lose the two games up there, but they were definitely stronger going forward at their place.

"I thought we passed the ball well on Saturday and that helped get Adam Wilde into the game out wide."

Welling are one of City's lucky sides, having only lost once to them in nine previous meetings. John Barton's men won 1-0 at Park View Road back in August with a Darren Middleton goal.

The side managed by former England defender Paul Parker are currently four places worse off than City in 11th, and have gone five games without a win, losing four of them.

But Holloway warned: "Until the last fortnight they had been on a decent run.

"However they have lost a few now and I saw someone who plays for Merthyr Tydfil in midweek, who said they were poor when they won there last week.

"It is a great chance to get another three points, but there is nothing between most of the teams in this league, and if you are not right you can be turned over by anyone."

FORMCAST: City to score a 3-0 victory.