JOHN Barton is pondering the question of tactics as Worcester City battle to end a six-game run without a victory at Southport in Nationwide North.

City last tasted success on September 11 when they crushed the Sandgrounders' Lancashire rivals Lancaster in an enthralling 3-1 win at St George's Lane.

Since then it has gone downhill with Barton's troops picking up just two points from a possible 15 while failing to hit the back of the net in their last four league encounters.

A fighting scoreless draw against leaders Alfreton Town earned a creditable point in City's last fixture on October 8.

It was achieved following a change of formation as Barton's hand was forced to terminate his usual 4-4-2 and revert to a more defensively minded 3-5-2 system.

He may have to stick to the same formation against former Conference club Southport who have won their previous three matches, including last Saturday's 3-0 victory over Stratford Town in the FA Cup third qualifying round.

Barton said: "There are a couple of options available, we could stick with the same formation. A lot will depend on the fitness of Paul Carty and John Snape.

"I watched Southport at Stratford and they performed well. They are a strong all-round side and very workmanlike. They seem to have a nice balance throughout the team and are at the moment playing with a lot of hunger and belief.

"They are a difficult side to beat even if we had a full squad in a good vein of form, let alone with so many key players missing.

"We need to follow up the Alfreton result with another one. We showed a lot of guts and character to earn a draw and we will have to call on those reserves again."

Striker Mark Owen has lashed four goals in two reserve outings since returning from a knee injury and is itching for a starting place at Haig Avenue. Adam Webster (ankle) and Carty (calf) face late fitness tests but player-coach Snape is fit again.

Southport were the early league leaders in Nationwide North until three consecutive defeats prodded them outside the top three.

However, a 3-1 away win at Droylsden a fortnight ago, coupled with a fine FA Cup run, has got confidence running through the side.

Boss Liam Watson said: "Our results have improved in recent weeks. We've had Worcester watched a couple of times and they will cause us problems. Leon Kelly is a good striker and we will have to watch out for him."

n Redditch United entertain Gainsborough Trinity in Nationwide North (3pm).