WORCESTER City boss John Barton says there is no reason why his side can't continue their excellent away form at Crawley Town tomorrow (3pm).

City's away record of six wins in nine attempts is one of the best in the Dr Martens League Premier Division.

And although fourth-placed Crawley will be a tough nut to crack, Barton believes City, who moved up to sixth with their 3-1 Boxing Day success at Halesowen, are capable of getting a result at the Broadfield Stadium.

He said: "There is no reason not to go there confident after our recent run. We are in decent nick.

"If we take advantage of our game in hand we will actually go above them, so it is an important game."

The frustration for Barton is that while their away record has been excellent, their home form has been anything but with just three wins out of 10.

Barton added: "Our home record hasn't got anywhere near our away form.

"When you are at home there is a little bit more expectation, and since I have come to the club and Andy Ellis has been out, we have lacked the sort of player that can take the initiative and show a little bit of imagination, and when you are at home you need those sort of players.

"Ray Woods coming into the side has been as close to that sort of player as we have had for a while."

Woods, who has come out of retirement to help City through their injury crisis, may be unavailable for tomorrow's game through work commitments, having played in both of City's festive fixtures so far.

Barton appreciates that their away form faces a stern test tomorrow at Crawley, who will be looking to boost their own title hopes.

Crawley only just avoided the drop last season after a late influx of cash enabled them to change their side around.

Barton has not seen them play this season but said: "I don't see too many changes from their side from last year. The money they have invested in players to turn it round last season has paid dividends for them."

City, who have lost only one of their last nine league games, begin a run of fixtures tomorrow that could make or break their chances of breaking into the title race.

Monday's home clash with in-form Newport is followed by another home game with second-placed Margate on Saturday and a trip to Moor Green, who are third, the following week.

Worcester (from): McDonnell, Davies, Bradley, Tucker, Heeley, Carty, M. Wyatt, Weir, Owen, Woods, Reed, Scheppel, Burrow, Tranter, Lutz, Cotter.