TRIALIST Angus Martin scored a hat-trick on his debut for Worcester City reserves as they romped to their biggest win of the season.

The St George's Lane club thrashed Atherstone United 8-1 in the Midland Combination Reserve Division with the ex-Irish U18 midfielder impressing alongside Marc Burrow.

City's assistant manager Mick Tuohy was on hand to check on the progress of several first teamers including Mark Owen who marked his return to competitive action with two goals.

Stewart Hadley also looked sharp as he bagged a brace while academy youngster Dean Smith was also on target.

Another trialist James Hill played in central defence but it was Martin, alongside Burrow in the middle that earned the plaudits from reserve team manager Geoff Ashby.

"He looked a very good player going forward although there were not too many questions asked of him defensively," said Ashby.

"The score reflected the game but it will be interesting to see what he is like against sterner opposition.

"Burrow was superb alongside him while Stewart looked a lot sharper.

"Mark Owen struggled in the last 20 minutes and obviously needs to get games under his belt."

Worcester first team boss John Barton enjoyed a rare weekend off but with results in the Dr Martens Premier Division going the club's way, he is already champing at the bit ahead of Saturday's top six clash with Tiverton at St George's Lane.

"Without playing results have gone as well as we could have expected with Ilkeston drawing at Dover and Chippenham and Stafford drawing," he said.

"We've got an exciting game to look forward to an the weekend and we have to capitalise on these results. It remains important to finish as high as we can."

Barton has revealed he is still interested in signing Mark Blount who has been in good form for Burton Albion since his return to the Nationwide Conference club.

Burton won 2-0 at the weekend with former Kidderminster Harriers' record signing Andy Ducros scoring his first goal for the club.

"By all accounts Mark's been their best player and we certainly keeping an eye on him," added Barton.

"I know what he can do when he's fit."