Weekend of woe

A fine win at Tamworth and a home draw against Bath raised expectations that City could possibly have a serious crack at the title this season.

But then against two supposedly inferior sides in Stafford Rangers and Merthyr Tydfil, City collapsed defensively and the end result was eight goals against, no points and a drop to 18th place in the table - not much better than the same stage last season.

Manager John Barton must be hoping that the two holiday weekend results can be put down as no more than two bad days at the office, otherwise any more repeats and City will be drawn into another relegation struggle.

It was hard to believe that the same results were achieved by more or less the same players, give or take one or two.

But injuries to key men have played a part in their last two performances, and the subsequent reshuffle has upset the balance of the side.

Paul Carty's broken toe has perhaps been the key blow. He was arguably City's most impressive player in their first two games and his skilful, incisive midfield play was badly missed following his early withdrawal against Stafford.

Ian Reed also looks likely to miss up to a month with a hamstring problem, and his wing play has been one of City's most productive sources so far.

With goalkeeper Danny McDonnell, defender Martin Weir and midfielder Ian Cottrill also affected and the likes of Micky Cotter, Chris Greenman and Andy Ellis sidelined, it has meant City have had to use their younger players a bit more than they would have liked.

They certainly haven't let City down, and defender Wesley Joyce even managed to get on the scoresheet against Stafford and played a crucial role as a substitute in the rearguard action at Tamworth after McDonnell's dismissal.

Striker Chris Jefferson has come on and showed some good touches while Jamie Hyde, who had his first taste of first-team action last season, has also had his moments.

But in an ideal world, they would be used more sparingly and not forced to come on and have to do the jobs of more experienced players in trying to turn games round.

Certainly Barton needs reinforcements urgently until the current crisis passes over, and although money is tight City must see their way to allowing one or perhaps two loan signings to come in.

It can't be good that Barton's team is virtually picking itself at the moment and he must be allowed a degree of choice.

One thing City must address soon is their inability to win in front of their own supporters.

City haven't won a league game at St George's Lane since February 28, when Cambridge City were beaten 3-2.

Since then they've played eight league matches at the Lane, drawing four and losing four.

Ilkeston Town are next up on City's schedule on Saturday, and their aerial bombardment is sure to provide a stern test, especially with teenager Paul Wyatt likely to be in goal, with McDonnell serving a one-match suspension for his sending-off at Tamworth.

But City generally have a good record against the Derbyshire side, having lost just once in six meetings and taking four points off them last season.

Then there's a chance to break that home duck against Clevedon Town on Monday.

Read TONY MOORE every Wednesday in the Evening News.