HOW can one assess Worcester City's season so far as the year 2000 draws to a close?

Probably the best way is above average in the league, below par in the cups.

City were always likely to do better this season in the Dr Martens League Premier Division, with manager John Barton bringing in several new players during the summer.

And so far that's proved to be the case and they can feel well satisfied with their current position of sixth.

Barton has moulded them into an outfit that may not always be pretty to watch but they're usually hard to beat, especially away from home where they've recorded an impressive six victories.

If their home form had been half as impressive they'd be well clear now, but their struggles at St George's Lane need to be cured quickly if they're to stay in the hung.

But to go that one step further and challenge for the title, you need an ounce of luck and City have been short on it.

They're also short of two or three decent players, most notably a strike partner to take some weight off goal king Mark Owen, more craft in midfield - where Andy Ellis has been badly missed - and more depth in the full-back positions.

At least he's got no reason to worry about Owen's goal ratio, Danny McDonnell's form in goal and the performances of Mark Tucker and Carl Heeley in the centre of defence, with Martin Weir having assisted in a three-pronged defence in recent games.

However, to be out of both major cups before Christmas is a major blow.

The FA Cup display at Hampton was so out of keeping with most of their performances this season, while to a certain extent they only have themselves to blame for going out of the FA Umbro Trophy to Hendon.

But at least it leaves them to concentrate on the major task in hand, having a major say in the title race.

And if they can keep chipping away and other high-flying sides such as bookies' favourites Burton and Mar-gate are distracted by other competitions, who knows what could happen?

City have already seen that there is nothing to frighten them in the league this season and there will never be a better chance of glory - but it's going to be tough.