WORCESTER City manager John Barton is set to make changes for tonight's home clash with Merthyr Tydfil (7.45pm) after a poor second-half display against Tamworth on Saturday.

The St George's Lane club are now just three points off the relegation zone in the Dr Martens Premier Division and have won only once in the last six games.

Midfielder Jon Holloway, who came on as a second-half substitute in the 3-2 defeat at the Lamb ground, could return, while 39-year-old Phil Stant, scorer of City's two goals, will continue up front.

Dwaine McFarlane, who missed the Tamworth game, is struggling with a thigh injury and could be out for a couple of weeks.

Barton admitted City's performance was disappointing but said the visit of the Welsh side, who are struggling second from bottom, offered his players the chance to record a vital win.

"I'm not in favour of the Saturday/ Monday fixture scenario, but it gives us a great opportunity to bounce back and get three vital points after the disappointment of the weekend," he said.

"Obviously changes are governed to an extent by the injury situation but I do plan to make a couple."

Tonight's visitors suffered a 3-0 away defeat at the hands of fellow strugglers Hednesford Town at the weekend and have won just three times all season scoring just 18 goals.

City fought out a dour 0-0 draw at Merthyr earlier in the season, one of six draws for the St George's Lane club.

Barton was frank in his assessment of City's performance at Tamworth and said going in two up at the half-time interval disguised a poor performance.

"I was very disappointed with the way the game started and for the first 20 minutes we didn't get close to them and stood off them," he said.

"I thought the 2-0 lead flattered us but you take it when it's there even though it wasn't a true reflection of the game.

"But the warning signs were there that they were going to come at us and once we conceded a goal in the first minute of the second half we knew it was going to open us up to a bombardment."

Barton is desperate to bring in new signings to the club and is expected to speak to a player tonight but is adamant he wants to bring in quality.

"I don't see the point in bringing in players just for the sake of it if we are not going to be happy with the players a few weeks down the line," he said.

Worcester have also submitted bids for a centre half and striker in a bid to boost the squad.

FORMCAST: City can banish the blues with a 2-0 win over struggling Merthyr.