WORCESTER City boss John Barton is guarding against over-confidence ahead of his in-form side's clash with Merthyr Tydfil tonight (7.45).

But City's manager admits there is a score to settle after the Welsh side trounced City 4-1 at Penydarren Park last year.

The defeat plunged Worcester into an early season crisis over the Bank Holiday period, but this season Barton's side have lost just once and are unbeaten since the second game of the season.

The Martyrs are currently languishing second from bottom of the Dr Martens Premier Division with just one win and four defeats, but they displayed fighting qualities to come back from two goals down at Cambridge City at the weekend to snatch a point.

Barton will be cautioning his side against taking three points for granted despite their opponents' lowly standing.

"Last year's defeat is a warning sign against being over confident," said Barton.

"Just because a side is struggling doesn't mean they won't be hard to beat and as we have already seen this year, anybody can beat anybody else.

"I'm sure they'll be unhappy with their start but we have to make sure we find our own form. We didn't win either game against Merthyr last season so there is a score to settle."

Barton was pleased with Saturday's goalless draw against Havant & Waterlooville and especially his side's defensive performance.

"We were resilient for the first 20 minutes and they certainly asked us a few questions," he said. "But we got through it and were not chasing the game and also had a couple of chances.

"I thought it was our toughest test to date bearing in mind the injuries we were carrying and to come through it meant we did well."

City's injury crisis still leaves Barton without key players including Paul Carty, Danny McDonnell and Allan Davies, but Martin Weir is available after missing the Havant game through suspension.