WORCESTER City's Sam Bowen has been warned about his future conduct by manager John Barton.

Bowen was fortunate to escape punishment after clashing angrily with Gloucester City defender Wayne Thorne in the closing stages of their 4-0 win on Monday.

Barton spoke to the City striker, who was making his return as substitute following two months out with an ankle injury, after the game and made his feelings plain.

He said: "It is a warning shot. You can't do that sort of thing.

"He might have got away with it but on another day, it could have been costly."

Bowen is expected to be on the bench again for City's tough Dr Martens League Premier Division game at Tamworth on Bank Holiday Monday (3.00).

Barton is likely to stick with the side that beat Gloucester in a bid for a sixth successive victory in all competitions.

But they will need to be at their best against in-form Tam-worth, who are now fifth after a 5-0 win at Atherstone on Monday, and whose attack will be spearheaded by former City striker Mark Hallam.

"On current form they're probably the team of the moment," said Barton. "They seem to be scoring goals for fun. But we are not fearful of playing anyone.

"It is normally quite an intimidating atmosphere there, but the fact that it is a Bank Holiday fixture means it will generate an even more hostile environment. The players have to cope with that."

With tough games against Newport at home and Burton away to follow, Monday is the start of another crucial period for City.

"At the end of it we need to come out with some points," said Barton. "We will perhaps find out how much progress we have made recently."

Worcester (from): Watson, Sandeman, Willetts, Tucker, Weir, Ellis, Deakin, Cottrill, Owen, Lutz, Knight, Heeley, Purdie, Bowen, Davies, Jukes.