THE next 10 days could be crucial to Worcester City's Dr Martens League Premier Division title challenge.

Due to their cup commitments and the bad weather, City had not played a league match in almost four weeks before today's planned trip to Stafford Rangers -- weather permitting.

Consequently, they'd slipped from fourth to ninth place in the table, but still within striking distance of the leaders.

But now they've got a run of three games where points are going to be vital if they are to stand a chance of keeping up with the likes of title rivals Burton Albion and Crawley Town.

Next Saturday they entertain Weymouth, who are currently in the bottom half of the table, and the following Tuesday they go to Clevedon Town, who are just starting to hit form after a disastrous start to the season.

Victory in all three could leave City hot on the tails of their title rivals -- although by the same token, poor results could leave them in trouble again.

But having lost only once in nine games in all competitions before today, City can approach these games with a considerable amount of confidence.

Meanwhile, manager John Barton is to closely monitor the progress of former Kidderminster Harriers and Evesham United striker Andy Hodgetts.

The 19-year-old scored twice and looked impressive while playing a trial match for City in their 3-2 Central Conference victory over Hereford United in midweek.

A permanent deal could be in the offing if Hodgetts, who has also had a spell at Halesowen Town, continues to impress.

He is expected to be given another Conference outing by City in the coming weeks.

Barton said: "We have asked him to come down and see how it goes for a few weeks. He is just someone we are looking at and trying to keep abreast of."