WORCESTER City have another chance to nail their home bogey on Saturday when they entertain Clevedon Town in the Dr Martens League Premier Division (3.00).

In seven attempts, City have yet to win a league game at St George's Lane this season, with four draws and three defeats.

They are the only side in the division not to have registered a home win, and it is no surprise with such a record that they are struggling at the wrong end of the division.

Two cup victories have been recorded -- 3-2 against Harrow Borough in the FA Cup and 6-1 over Redditch United in the Dr Martens Cup -- but when vital league points have been at stake, it has been a completely different story.

It is true to say that there is greater pressure on the players when they play in front of their own supporters, who can be some of the most demanding in the league, particularly in view of the added pre-season optimism this year.

The longer they go without breaking their duck, the more intense the pressure becomes.

Consequently, most of their better performances have come away from home when less has been expected of them -- most notably their shock 2-0 FA Umbro Trophy victory at Nationwide Conference side Hayes on Saturday, and their 2-2 draw at high-flying Ilkeston Town back in September.

However, the victory at Hayes is sure to have lifted confidence among the players, and perhaps it can inspire John Barton's men to a welcome success which could have an uplifting effect on their whole season.

City are at home again next Monday when Western Division leaders Moor Green are the visitors in the second round of the Dr Martens Cup (7.45).

Thursday, December 2, 1999.