WORCESTER City boss John Barton is hoping to avenge one of their "biggest hidings" of last season when they open their Dr Martens League Premier Division programme at home to Weymouth tomorrow (3pm).

Weymouth handed out a 4-0 thrashing at home to City last year with free-scoring midfielder Mark Robinson firing a hat-trick.

Barton admitted it was probably the biggest hiding they received all season, bar the 5-0 hammering by Hampton and Richmond Borough in the FA Cup.

Worcester held them 0-0 at home in the return fixture and if Barton is looking for any good omens ahead of tomorrow's clash it is that the Terras have not beaten City at St George's Lane since their promotion from the Southern League three seasons ago.

Barton, who has just agreed a contract extension to keep him at St George's Lane until 2003, is anticipating a tough test against player-manager Andy Mason's side.

"They've got some good young players in all areas of the pitch and more experienced players such as David Laws and Darran Rowbotham not to mention Robinson who scored a hat-trick against us," he said.

"Other than the Hampton debacle they probably gave us our biggest hiding of the season."

But City's boss has had a productive week in the transfer market and can call on the experience of Phil Stant plus Darren Middleton, who are both expected to start the game with Mark Owen also up front and as hungry as ever for goals.

Barton believes Stant can still make an impression even at the age of 38 and his ball retention skills will benefit the side.

"We've got to try and get the best out of him and we'll be using him sparingly but as we've seen in pre-season he's got a wealth of experience," he said.

"We've always felt that at times the ball comes back too quickly and he can buy us some time."

As the season kicks off the weight of expectation from the City faithful will be high as ever but with five quality signings over the summer, Barton is gradually shaping a squad that could see them mount a serious promotion challenge.

City travel to title favourites Kettering Town on Tuesday.