13/12/02 - City in battle to beat the bug

Goalkeeper Danny McDonnell and Jon Holloway were suffering last night but John Barton is confident they will be fit.

"A bit of a virus has been going round and there were two or three players that didn't feel quite up to it last night but I don't think it will affect tomorrow," said the City manager.

John Snape's groin problem is easing although he's still not 100 per cent fit. He will start, however, giving Barton the option of putting Holloway back into central defence.

The ex-Hereford United player's presence in midfield will be vital against a Chippenham side with a reputation for being a big and awkward outfit.

The Wiltshire club have been one of the surprise packages since their promotion to the Dr Martens Premier Division this season and Barton's scouts have been impressed with what they've seen.

"For their first season they've done brilliantly and they are not where they are by default," he said.

"We've picked them up a few times and we'll need to be on our toes."

Ex-Newport County and Bath City striker Martin Paul will be one of the main dangers but they have threats all over, according to the St George's Lane boss.

"Paul's an experienced striker who's been around but they've got a lot of players that have operated at this level," said Barton.

With City having surrendered top spot to Tamworth in mid-week after their last-gasp winner against Stafford, Barton knows it is essential Worcester stay on the Lambs' coat-tails to stop any breakaway.

"It's important we get something from the game," he said.

"There's always somebody that puts a run together although this year it seems a lot tighter."

Mark Shail has suffered more frustration in his return from a knee injury after picking up a groin strain in a reserve match.

"The good news was that he had no reaction to his knee last week but as happens so often he's tweaked a groin," said the St George's Lane manager.

FORMCAST: City to win 3-2.