Worcester City manager John Barton has pleaded with fans to get off striker Micky Cotter's back.

Cotter has struggled for form since his summer move from Tamworth, scoring just one goal, and was the subject of criticism from several fans during City's FA Umbro Trophy defeat against Hendon.

But Barton said many of the comments were not justified, especially those accusing him of not trying.

He said: "I hear a lot of criticism of Micky and he hears it as well. He hasn't played as well as I know he can do, and a lot of that is down to the injuries he has had.

"But to suggest he is not trying, I have never heard anything so absurd. For anybody who knows him, he certainly isn't a ducker and diver or a non-trier.

"He has come to the club to try and help us as best he can. He hasn't milked the club as some players have done and he has come to try and do a job.

"To accuse him of not trying and ducking responsibility, they have got the wrong one, and I am sure Micky would like to have a chat with anyone who would suggest otherwise. He has never done that in his career and he certainly has not done it at Worcester City."

Cotter, who previously played under Barton at Burton Albion, suffered a knee injury during pre-season training and was unable to make his City debut until late September, but he has been Mark Owen's regular strike partner ever since.

Barton has been criticised by some fans for sticking with Cotter, but said that injuries to potential replacements, such as Carl Tranter and Chris Jefferson, have kept him in the side.

The City manager also pointed to the other aspects to the striker's game which he has been pleased with.

Barton added: "I didn't see too much understanding of the fact that we had eight players unavailable for selection the other night.

"Micky has scored goals throughout his career. He hasn't been on the end of anything for us, but part of that problem is because of the work and running he does outside the box and down the outside of defenders.

"That has helped Mark Owen a great deal."

A hat-trick from Steve Hancocks helped City's youth team beat Dudley Sports 4-2 after extra time in the Worcestershire FA Youth Cup quarter-final last night. Lee Goodman got the other goal.