AN ugly melee threatened to spoil Worcester City's top-of-the-table clash with Chippenham Town on Saturday.

Striker Martin Paul sparked angry protests by City players following a late lunge at goalkeeper Danny McDonnell after the forward had over-run the ball.

Referee Mark Edwards decided the offence merited just a yellow card, but City manager John Barton was adamant it was a straight red.

"It was a straight sending off offence especially if you look at some of the decisions we've been on the end of ourselves this season," said Barton.

He was referring to Leon Jackson's innocuous dismissal against Stamford in the FA Cup.

An incensed McDonnell had to be held back at the full-time whistle with the goalkeeper clearly still angry at Paul's challenge.

The match ended all square at 0-0 with City's best efforts from Adam Wilde and Adam Webster who both hit the woodwork.

Stafford's 2-1 victory at Folkestone meant the St George's Lane club fell one place in the Dr Martens Premier Division to fourth spot.

Chippenham stay second, while leaders Tamworth extended their lead at the top with a 2-0 win at Moor Green.

Barton conceded the Bluebirds had been a difficult side to break down -- but bemoaned squandered possession by his team.

"Chippenham are going to end the season as they started, which is very well, and were a tough nut to crack," said Barton.

"We didn't have enough quality to break down their defence and we gave the ball away too easily in unpressured situations.

"We had two opportunities which hit the woodwork and it was always going to take something like that to break the deadlock.

"But I thought we lacked some conviction in our performance and gave the ball away too cheaply. Without pulling them to bits I didn't think we had enough on the ball to cause them problems," said the City manager.

"It was a good result for other clubs around us.

"I feel Chippenham were happy with a point which is what they came for.

"There are 10 games to go and we've got try and beat our previous best finishes and go as high as we can."