WORCESTER City manager John Barton has saluted his goal king Mark Owen -- but says he can still get better.

Owen scored a hat-trick as City beat Mangotsfield United 3-0 in the FA Umbro Trophy first round on Saturday.

The 23-year-old now has 14 goals this season and has netted 70 times in 125 games for City, and is still being watched regularly by bigger clubs.

Barton said: "There is no reason why he can't get better, and a lot of the final product lies with him.

"Mark has to keep listening and showing improvement and then he will progress.

"But he has the raw talent and ability and his performances since the game at Ilkeston, where he opened his account for the season, have been the most consistent since I have been at the club. His work-rate is noticeably better."

City now travel to Ryman League Premier Division side Hendon in the next round on December 2. Hendon are similarly placed to Hampton and Richmond Borough, who thrashed City in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round last week.

But Barton says he will not think about that tie until nearer the date. "The situation will take care of itself when it comes round. We will put that one to rest until it is due."

City return to Dr Martens League Premier Division action at home to Dorchester Town on Saturday, having received a boost on Saturday when rivals Burton lost their unbeaten record with a 3-1 defeat at Bath.

Barton added: "It will be interesting to see how Burton react. They have had a fantastic run and to me they are still the best side in the league.

"It is symptomatic of the league this season in that it is really looking quite close. We have lost one in our last eight now, and that is some semblance of a run developing without our performances really being convincing."

Redditch United are also through in the Trophy after a 3-1 home triumph over Grantham Town and will now be away to Unibond League Premier Division side Hucknall Town.

Bromsgrove Rovers have a home replay tomorrow night against Droylsden after a goalless draw on Saturday, the winners due to visit Racing Club Warwick or Lancaster City in the next round.

Evesham United's tie at Leatherhead was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch and will now be played tomorrow night (7.45), with a trip to Cinderford or Dulwich awaiting the winners.