WORCESTER City boss John Barton believes it is vital his side chalk up three Nationwide North points as they travel to Vauxhall Motors for the first time in their history (7.45).

But a victory for City at the Vauxhall Sports Ground might not come so easy as the Motormen are currently enjoying a mini-renaissance following a dreadful start to the league campaign.

Manager Owen Brown's team slumped to the foot of the division after failing to win any of their nine opening games but have since turned the corner.

However, the former UniBond League club have climbed out of the relegation zone after racking up three 1-0 wins in their last four games against Bradford Park Avenue, Gainsborough Trinity and Hucknall Town, while the other result was a 1-1 draw at Stafford Rangers.

Motors have also made it through to the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup where they face Conference strugglers Northwich Victoria.

Despite an improvement in form, the South Wirral club have the lowest average attendance in Nationwide North, which has prompted Motors chairman Alan Bartlam to allow children under 16 free entrance tonight in a bid to improve the flagging crowd numbers.

Barton insists his players are raring to go whatever the atmosphere and has made it clear that nothing short of a victory will do.

He is expected to make minimal changes from the line-up that started in the 2-2 draw at Southport on Saturday, although Paul Carty is likely to line up alongside John Snape in central midfield if he overcomes a short-term illness.

Goalkeeper James Coates, who joined City from Leigh RMI on a non-contractual basis last Thursday, will also make his second appearance.

Barton said: "Our sole aim has to be to get three points tonight.

"We've picked up two excellent draws in our last two games, considering what we have had to put up with, against the league's top sides.

"We now need to push on and reinforce those results by now winning games. Vauxhall Motors are down there but they will be scrapping for points too.

"They struggled in the early part of the season but they have not conceded many goals recently which shows that they have picked things up a bit.

"I may start with the same side but a lot will depend on whether Paul Carty gets over his bug," said the City boss.