WORCESTER City manager John Barton will demand his players find the killer instinct in front of goal ahead of their Dr Martens Premier Division clash with Ilkeston Town tonight (7.45).

The visit of the high-flying Robins has taken on crunch match significance for the St George's Lane club after Tuesday's disappointing 3-1 defeat at Moor Green.

Wasteful finishing allowed the Moors to regain a foothold in the match and denied City the chance to move within three points of leaders Havant & Waterlooville.

Leading scorer Mark Owen and Nathan Jukes each spurned golden opportunities inside the first minute of the Moor Green match.

The defeat has increased the pressure on City to take all three points especially as they have no match next week.

"We need to win tonight and while it won't put us up with the leaders it will keep us in touch while all the cup competitions are going on," said Barton.

"I will be looking for the players to find that killer instinct in front of goal that we lacked against Moor Green.

"It was disappointing to have played so well and have a couple of clear cut chances but not take them."

Midfielder Paul Carty, whose return to the side has helped boost City's form in recent weeks, said the team were keen to rectify Tuesday's defeat by taking three points off Ilkeston.

"We're looking forward to it," he said. "All the lads were gutted about the Moor Green result and are looking forward to putting it right tonight."

Veteran striker Phil Stant could return to the side but will have a fitness test on his hamstring.

Barton admitted they had missed his presence up front. "He's given us something we haven't had before and people are aware of his past record and try to stop him scoring."

But the City boss also had a word for Mark Shepherd who scored his first league goal for the club in the Moor Green defeat. "He did well and looked a lot sharper after struggling with injury in pre-season," he said.

Veteran defender Martin Weir, who was sent off for a professional foul in City's 2-1 win at Ilkeston earlier in the season, is rated doubtful for the match with a shin infection.

City will be looking to complete their first 'double' of the season, having won 2-1 at Ilkeston in August.