JOHN Barton will face a stiff test of his leadership skills in the next few weeks as he bids to stop his City side running out of steam.

Ironically given the generally successful year the St George's Lane club have enjoyed to date there is a grave danger of the season fading into oblivion.

Saturday's defeat to Tiverton had the hallmarks of tiredness stamped all over it and a difficult trip to Havant & Waterlooville will not be the easiest place to rekindle the lost sparkle.

Barton was a hostage to injury at the weekend and paid the price with one of City's worst displays of the season. Forced to field a makeshift midfield, he had to watch his best laid plans unfold in wretched fashion.

On paper a central pairing of the combative Mitch Counsell and Jon Holloway, complimented by the pace and skill of Adam Wilde and Marc Burrow's willingness was, given the lack of options, the best available to Worcester's manager.

Unfortunately the game passed them by and their influence was negligible though Burrow had a fleeting glimpse of glory but headed wide.

All players are allowed an off day and in fairness, inspite of debilitating injuries, they have been relatively few and far between this season but undoubtedly the midfield quartet failed to perform to any satisfactory level.

Barton's blunt assessment was that the quality was missing and they just 'didn't have enough'. None of the 1,000 strong crowd would have argued with that.

While not seeking to excuse a dismal display, it is clear that playing players out of position does not help and in mitigation Burrow and Holloway were patently not playing in their best positions. Against a good side like Tiverton they were found out.

Holloway was inspirational at right back at the start of the season, is an accomplished central defender and has had a good season. But for all his efforts when in midfield his influence is marginal.

Likewise for Burrow who is suffering from being a Jack of all trades and master of none.

Versatility can be a poisoned chalice and Burrow's best position lies in central defence and valiantly as he tried he is not a right-sided midfielder.

There was an alternative midfield quartet at St George's Lane on Saturday, unfortunately John Snape, David Foy, Pat Lyons and David Holmes were sat in the stands.

Managers always have a little moan about injuries, but Barton is entitled to feel more than a little aggrieved at the hand he's been dealt this season. However, injuries are part and parcel of the game and it will be almost criminal if City undo all their good work and fail to finish in the top three.