WORCESTER City boss John Barton won't be too unhappy if tonight's game at Newport County doesn't provide another goal feast.

The last three meetings between the sides have produced a remarkable 23 goals, including Tuesday's 5-3 win for City in the Dr Martens Cup semi-final.

The prospect is for even more goals in tonight's Premier Division clash at Spytty Park (7.45), with Newport sure to be gunning for quick revenge.

But Barton will doubtless settle for a 1-0 win as he tries to put City back on course for a top four finish.

He said: "I'm not sure how long these goal feasts between the two sides can go on for.

"The three games since I have been at the club have been extraordinary to say the least. We have had a 4-3 to them, a 4-4 draw and now a 5-3 to us. Within those games we have gone through every possible footballing circumstance.

"They will no doubt be looking for revenge, but we have to make sure that doesn't happen."

Barton is now urging his players to put thoughts of their two-legged final with Crawley Town to one side and concentrate on securing a high league position.

Queue

Defeats in their last two games have severely hit their chances of finishing in third place, while there is a queue of clubs within striking distance behind them, including Newport.

Barton added: "Securing a place in the final for the first time in 41 years is a big lift to everyone at the club.

"But what has been achieved we have put to one side now, and we have to tackle another front in a different situation.

"The ultimate test is your league programme, and we want to finish strongly and positively.

"When we went third originally after the win at Welling, we didn't think we would hold onto it for too long due to the number of games other teams had in hand.

"Two months further down the line and we have dropped only one place, and that has happened in the last seven days.

"We are well aware that due to the fact we have lost our last two league games, there is a bottleneck forming behind us. The best way to keep our position is to keep the results coming."

Wesley Joyce may be restored to City's starting line-up after scoring twice as a substitute on Tuesday, as may Steve Lutz who made a telling contribution as a replacement striker alongside the other two-goal hero, Mark Shepherd.

Goalkeeper Danny McDonnell, who had to drop out just before the game because of back spasms, may return in place of Paul Wyatt.

City are at home on Monday night against bottom club Halesowen Town (7.45).

Worcester (from): McDonnell, P. Wyatt, Carty, Burrow, Joyce, Greenman, Heeley, Weir, Cottrill, Ellis, Tucker, Owen, Lutz, Shepherd, Hyde, Jefferson, Burns.

City's youth team lost 2-1 at Alvechurch last night in the Worcestershire FA Youth Cup semi-final. They entertain Malvern Town tonight (7.30).