DARREN Middleton will bid to build on last week's man-of-the-match display at Chelmsford with another goal against Hednesford Town at St George's Lane today.

The Worcester City midfielder has made a habit of finding the net against the Pitmen, including two late goals last season in a dramatic 3-1 home win on New Year's Day.

He continued this season in a similar vein, converting a penalty at Keys Park but it proved in vain as City crashed to a 3-1 defeat.

With recent results going against the club of late manager John Barton would love nothing better than seeing Middleton add to his season's tally of four.

Middleton excites and frustrates in equal measure, but could prove to be a key figure in helping Worcester rediscover their early season form which netted them five wins in their opening seven games.

His running, strength and ability to break from midfield give an extra dimension to the side, plus after being substituted at half-time during their 5-1 defeat at Newport County he will be anxious to remind the St George's Lane supporters of what he can do.

The signs are indeed there that he is nearing a return to form. Two goals in his last three games suggest he has started to show glimpses of his undoubted ability, illustrated by a brilliant last-minute free kick at Chelmsford.

City's assistant manager Mick Tuohy is a huge fan of Middleton but concedes the ex-Aston Villa and Wolves trainee can be an enigmatic character on the field.

"Darren would admit himself that at times he can be enigmatic but he's a tremendous player," said Tuohy.

"Some of the things he does in training nobody else can do and he's a real delight to work with.

"With Darren it's about obtaining a level of consistency. He's just started a new job with a lot of responsibility and hopefully he can pick up now and we can see his ability on a regular basis.

"He's got tremendous fitness, a superb attitude in training and I can't fault him.

"He's a smashing lad, a bit deep and you can't always reach him and you don't know what he's thinking, but I can understand him being in the same team as Darius Vassell at Villa because of the ability he has."

Meanwhile, another City stalwart, Ian Cottrill, will have a testimonial at St George's Lane against Kidderminster Harriers on Monday, November 24 (7.45).

Cottrill, who retired last year due to a persistent knee problem, had two spells with City making 431 appearances scoring 57 goals and stands sixth in the club's all-time record appearance chart.