CASH-STRAPPED Worcester City welcome play-off chasing Darlington to the Victoria Ground after a disappointing defeat to basement boys Altrincham saw their relegation fears deepen.
The Blue and Whites head into Saturday’s game without a win in 14 league and cup matches and with four defeats in their last five games.
City, now two points from safety, have not won in the Vanarama National League North since a 2-1 triumph over AFC Telford United on November 12.
Caretaker-boss John Snape will be hoping to inspire his young side to end their wretched run of form against seventh-placed Darlo on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).
City then face two teams in the bottom half of the table – Nuneaton away and Boston at home – as they bid to climb away from danger.
The Blue and Whites’ relegation fears increased at the weekend following a 2-0 reverse at Altrincham.
Speaking after the game, Snape said: “Their hunger and desire was evidently more than ours.
“We need to get something from every game. The question we need to ask ourselves is are we good enough and can we turn this around.”
The City chief hoped no further players would be leaving and raised the possibility of trying to bring in a striker before the Darlington clash.
City fell to two early goals against an Alty side that had previously won just of their 29 games this season.
Snape’s men were on the backfoot after just 12 seconds when former City winger Micah Evans burst forward and cut inside before laying the ball off to Elliot Newby to hand the hosts the lead.
The lead was then doubled on 12 minutes when a long free-kick was sent in to the City box.
Tom Sharpe rose to clear but his header landed at the feet of Chris Lynch, who smashed the volley into the top of the net.
On a disappointing afternoon for the visitors, City’s keeper Ethan Ross kept his side in the encounter with a series of saves to prevent Altrincham running away with the contest.
City tried but couldn’t find a route through the Altrincham back four and failed to get a shot on target in the 90 minutes.