THREE defeats on the bounce doesn't constitute a crisis but on the other hand its difficult to see just where City's next win is coming from.

John Barton rang the changes last night in a bid to shake up his side, relegating Mark Owen to the bench and resting John Snape, but despite undoubted commitment, City still failed to crack open the Pitmen, bar Darren Middleton's second half penalty.

A controversial opener in the ninth minute put City on the backfoot for the remainder of the match and they never really recovered despite good spells, particularly midway through the first half when Adam Webster twice went close and Adam Wilde spurned a glorious chance.

The second half saw more possession for City but the spot kick apart, they created no clear cut opportunities - it was all rather hopeful.

There were bright spots, notably Pat Lyons' return to action but central midfield remains an issue.

It's crying out for a player with real guile and craft to unlock defences and add some creativity. Now is surely the time for a signing in that position to boost morale and give added impetus to a side short on confidence.

Lyons didn't waste a pass and saw City maintain a lot more possession than they have in most matches this season but at the business end more is required.

Webster relished his return up front and a superb turn and shot plus a well-saved drive nearly brought him a goal. He also foraged out wide to great effect but it's all 'nearly' at the moment with City.

Identifying just where exactly it is City are going wrong at the moment is relatively simple and it's at either end of the pitch.

In defence sloppy goals are being conceded, Tiverton's second on Saturday, and the last two last night spring immediately to mind while up front chances are not being taken.

But as Lyons said at Keys Park last night 'you don't become a bad team overnight'.

The display at Hednesford was certainly an improved performance by City after Saturday but still not enough to take anything from.

Football matches contain defining moments and the crucial ones are just going against Worcester.

Nathan Lamey's hotly disputed first goal last night was a classic example.

Was he the yards offside that he looked, or was Paul Carty playing him on?

It's academic now but the whispers after the game reportedly had Lamey saying 'I didn't think I was offside, I knew I was offside'.

Not much consolation to Barton nor will the news of Mitch Counsell's winner for Bath against Stafford last night. Will the the former City man return to haunt them on Saturday?

At the other end City are not taking their chances.

Wilde perhaps had the best opportunity of the match in the first half when clean through, only to lob straight into the arms of Ryan Young.

A rueful shake of the head and subdued 'don't remind me, I'm going to have nightmares about that all night' was his honest appraisal but he's not the only one having nightmares at the moment that's for sure.

Supporters are urged to attend Friday's meeting at the St George's Lane Social Club to vote on the formation of a Supporters Trust. It starts at 8pm.