MANAGER John Barton praised his Worcester City side after toppling Bath City 2-1 but slammed the state of the St George's Lane pitch.

The City boss branded it a disgrace and said he had apologised to the visitors for its poor condition.

"The pitch is a disgrace at the moment. When I came here in 1974 it was poor but I can't imagine it's been in a worse state than it is at the moment."

But Barton's side notched up just their second win in eight games with goals from Stewart Hadley and Adam Wilde.

The victory leaves City fifth in the Dr Martens Premier -- just two points below the three sides above them.

Adam Webster was a surprise omission after succumbing to a virus but John Snape made a welcome return to mastermind an important win.

Barton insists they can still finish runners-up and they face Hednesford Town at Keys Park today aiming to six points from the Bank Holiday weekend.

"I still haven't forgotten last week but all the things you need at this time of the year we saw today. There was spirit, appetite and and application.

"We got a response which is what we were looking for.

"Conditions were horrendous to play in but the supporters have seen a Worcester City win. It wasn't pretty but the nasty type of victory which you have to win sometimes.

"John Snape's influence was outstanding and I don't think it was a co-incidence that on his return we saw that type of attitude out there.

"It was a difficult match because Bath have had a much better season and also because of the way we have been playing in the last couple of weeks."

Barton believes Wilde's goal, his first in 18 games and fifth since arriving at the club, will be a huge boost to the winger.

"It will do him good," added Barton. "Unfortunately Adam's had to come off injured and his knee is clicking which is worrying."