JOINT leading scorer Darren Middleton, with 14 goals, returns to Worcester City's line-up tomorrow to inject some much-needed goal threat.

Manager John Barton is poised to hand the 24-year-old his first start in seven weeks at Havant & Waterlooville.

Middleton has been sidelined with a niggling groin injury but looks set to play tomorrow as Barton bids to revive his team's Dr Martens fortunes following last week's poor display against Tiverton.

"We're hoping he will be okay," said Barton. "You only have to look at the goalscoring charts to see what he can bring to us from a midfield position.

"He's still got a little niggle but I'm optimistic."

Stewart Hadley didn't train last night after experiencing soreness in his Achilles but is expected to start up front with Adam Webster.

Pat Lyons, David Holmes, John Snape and David Foy are still out but Barton is looking for a response from last week's performers.

"It's going to have to be a big response, I'm afraid because of the low quality of last week," he added.