WORCESTER City embark on the most crucial 28 days of the season to date with the visit of Hinckley United tomorrow (3pm).

John Barton's table-topping side face a testing eight matches over the Christmas and New Year period that will have a massive impact on the destiny of the Dr Martens Premier Division Championship race.

City face Crawley, Chelmsford, Welling and Hednesford at St George's Lane with difficult away trips to Chippenham, Newport and finally Tamworth on January 4.

Hinckley are the first hurdle for Worcester to overcome followed by another crunch home encounter with Crawley on Monday.

Barton is sweating on the fitness of John Snape whose groin strain has restricted him to two substitute appearances in the last fortnight.

Definitely out are the suspended Darren Middleton and Paul Carty, but it is Snape's presence that will be key to Barton's team selection.

"Asa Charlton is almost certain to start but the key is whether Snape is fit or not," said Barton.

If Snape fails to make the starting line-up it could mean a recall for Mark Owen with David Holmes dropping into right midfield with Pat Lyons alongside Jon Holloway in the centre.

Back-to-back wins against Hastings and Aldershot have buoyed spirits in the home dressing room, but Barton warns that City will need to be at their best to beat Hinckley.

"They have had some decent eye- opening results," he said. "The last one was when they beat Crawley which is a sharp remainder to everyone that they aren't going to be a soft touch."

But City will be hoping that exciting winger Adam Wilde, who has dazzled fans with his displays since signing from Cambridge City for £7,500, will again be the catalyst for success, especially after scoring in consecutive matches.

"We've been delighted with what we have seen and the benefits he has given the team," added Barton.

"Hopefully that will continue and as with a lot of people at the club there is still more to come."