JON Holloway has exorcised the ghosts of a disappointing first year with City but still has a score to settle in terms of winning the Dr Martens Premier Division.

The 27-year-old has twice come close with Gloucester and Bath only to be denied at the death and has seen this year's challenge with Worcester fade disappointingly away.

Victory at home to Tiverton Town tomorrow (3pm) remains vital to keep any faint title hopes alive but Holloway remains optimistic he can achieve his ambition with Worcester in the next couple of years.

Holloway, who by his own admission failed to live up to expectations last season, has been in impressive form this year -- sufficient to attract the attention of Conference outfit Forest Green Rovers.

However in reality there was little danger of him jumping ship from St George's Lane and he explained why he is happy to stay put.

"The reason why I signed a new contract with Worcester is that it is a big club and I want to win the Dr Martens Premier Division," said Holloway.

"I've played in this league for five or six years, come close three or four times and I really want to win the title and get promoted that way.

"I know what the manager is doing here and I think we can win it."

Holloway went close with Gloucester City, losing out to Cheltenham on the last day in 1996-97 when the Robins stole the runners-up spot (champions Gresley Rovers were unable to go up because their ground failed to meet Conference standards).

Gloucester only needed to beat Salisbury at home but ended up losing.

Holloway was also a member of Bath City's team that pushed Boston United close in 1999-2000 only to fade away in the final few games. He has seen City slip off the pace since beating Tamworth in January and admits ultimately they have been found wanting.

"We turned Tamworth over at their place and were in pole position but the fact we've fallen off shows we are not quite strong enough," he said.

"We have had an horrendous run of injuries but you can't make that an excuse for the rest of your career."

Tomorrow's clash with Tiverton pits Holloway against former City ace Paul Chenoweth and he admits there is a bit of history between the two.

"I'm not a huge fan of Chenoweth's. We've had some tangles in the past and I'd like to make sure I come out on the winning side," said Holloway.

"Tiverton are a good footballing side, they've had a decent season and it's going to be a big game.

"It's an important 10 days or so in front of us with Tiverton, Havant and Halesowen to play and it's important we finish well and don't tail off."

Tiverton will be without the suspended Chris Holloway and have injury problems of their own with record signing Steve Peters sidelined for the rest of the season.

Luke Vinnicombe is still a month away from full fitness after breaking a leg in September.

FORMCAST: City to nick it 2-1.