WORCESTER City rekindled hopes of a top two finish with a 3-1 victory over Weymouth at the weekend inspired by a Darren Middleton hat-trick.

Manager John Barton was relieved to see his side claim their first win in five games although he admitted it had not been their most convincing display.

The St George's Lane club remain fourth in the Dr Martens Premier Division, a point behind Stafford Rangers, two points adrift of second placed Chippenham and 15 behind leaders Tamworth.

For Barton though, Saturday was about winning after recent setbacks against Hav-ant and Halesowen and he believes his team still have a strong chance of finishing runners up.

"We just wanted to win a football match," admitted Barton.

"It's a frustrating time and you don't see many good matches at this time of year with a lot of sides scrapping near the bottom for survival, so there is no such thing as easy games.

"Ultimately it was a victory, not the most convincing we've had but maybe now we've had that little bit of luck, that can kick us on for the remaining games.

"Runners-up spot remains a strong possibility and three points, irrespective of the performance, gives us a lift.

"We started brightly and then having got in front gave a goal away which, when your confidence is thin, tests you.

"David Foy did well, linking the game up nicely, and Carl Heeley did exactly the job we wanted him to do in front of the defence, closing people down and getting in tackles." Barton praised hat-trick hero Middleton, two of whose goals came from the penalty spot and a third from a fortuitous rebound.

"His two penalties were well executed and his third came from chancing his arm," added Barton.

"It just shows you the benefits of chasing everything down because the goalkeeper had cleared most things the length of the pitch but Darren gambled and got lucky."

The St George's Lane boss admitted Weymouth might be feeling a little aggrieved after twice hitting the woodwork but Barton also praised Danny McDonnell for a brilliant save to deny Lee Phillips when the score was 2-1.

"We deserved something from Havant and didn't get anything, but at 2-1 on Saturday Danny McDonnell made a great save from Phillips. I don't think you will see too many better saves than that."

Barton's hopes of strengthening his squad before today's 5pm transfer deadline have failed after two bids for separate players were rejected over the weekend.