A MISERABLE festive points return has piled extra pressure on Worcester City ahead of their New Year's Day clash with Hednesford Town tomorrow (3pm).

Ian Painter's Pitmen visit St George's Lane with John Barton's team desperate to unearth three points after defeat at Newport and a draw with Welling.

The influential Jon Holloway is poised to hand Barton a boost by declaring himself fit after suffering from a nasty bug that has ruled him out for two games.

But it is conviction and confidence in front of goal that City's boss is looking for as they look to close a five-point deficit on leaders Tamworth, who they visit on Saturday.

"We don't see it any different to the supporters," said Barton. "It's frustrating bec-ause we can see sides that we have the ability to beat but we are not finishing them off.

"On Saturday we had two chances before Welling scored but instead of being a goal up we are on the receiving end.

"More conviction is required on the end of chances -- that's the only way out of it I know.

"There is one commodity in the game that builds your confidence to a higher level or puts it rock bottom and that is scoring goals or conceding them. If you score goals everything tends to fall into place."

Hednesford arrive with an impressive home record in the Dr Martens Premier Division but with a less than distinguished one on their travels.

They sneaked a 1-0 victory in the corresponding fixture last season and Painter has packed his side with experience with ex-Hereford United striker Steve Piearce a potential danger.

"Their side is riddled with seasoned non-league players that have been around but like I always say it's up to our players," said Barton.

"They have got the capacity to produce a performance that could be hard to match but they have to do it on the day."

Several City players are carrying knocks and if Holloway returns Barton will be tempted to switch things around.

"We've missed Jon Holloway in both games because he's got presence and that's not demeaning the efforts of others," added Barton.

"Six players are out at the moment, it's not the deepest of squads and that always catches up with you.

"No sooner do I bring in Mark Blount to give us a bit of flexibility then we lose Jon Holloway."

FORMCAST: City to nick a 1-0 win.