WORCESTER City's sensational 2-1 victory at rivals Tamworth has been overshadowed by the loss of John Snape.

The midfielder is ruled out for at least a month with medial ligament damage after injuring himself in a shuddering clash with the Lambs' Steve Walsh.

Snape also needed external and internal stitches in a gaping calf wound as well as suffering bruising.

"John's been told a month and if it is no more than that I will be delighted," said manager John Barton.

"I think when you see that sort of injury it sickens you and gives you something to fight for."

City's boss saw his side weather a first half battering by Tamworth before second half goals from Mark Blount and Adam Webster sealed a memorable win which sends the St George's Lane back to the top of the Dr Martens Premier Division by one point.

Danny McDonnell needed to be at his best to halt a barrage of Lambs pressure and Barton admitted his side were blown off course by the opening salvo.

"I think we had Danny to thank for us still being in the game at half time," said Barton.

"The lads were up for the game prior to the match but you wouldn't have thought that from the first half performance.

"We played too deep and as a result of the action was in our half but the one quality our lads have is that they are a team and that pulled us through."

Barton had selected Jon Holloway and Snape in midfield to combat the influential Mark Cooper with Darren Middleton up front in place of Webster.

"It was no reflection on Adam, I just picked a team that I felt was right for the day," said Barton.

"I wanted Middleton to use his pace up front but we gave away possession too easily and that part didn't work.

"Adam worked himself to a stop again when he came on which was typical of him and I never doubted his character or honesty which is a shining example."

Tamworth still have two games in hand on City and Barton believed Worcester's victory had kept the championship race wide open.

"I think for the sake of the league the result has done the competition a lot of good by keeping it open and interesting," he added.

"To some degree we are playing catch up but we now have to make sure none of our regular slip ups come into the equation or this outstanding result at Tamworth will be nullified."

"Tamworth are a good side and still favourites but we are still in it thanks to Saturday's win."