DROYLSDEN hit town tomorrow aiming to strengthen their grip on the Nationwide North title -- but Andy Preece has other ideas.

Worcester City's confident boss has backed his side to bring about an end-of-season celebration to remember at St George's Lane by knocking the champions-elect off their perch.

The Greater Manchester outfit will prove a tough nut to crack after storming to the league summit with a 10-game winning streak, scoring 22 goals along the way and conceding just two.

They are currently trailing leaders Southport by two points but boast a game in hand on the west Lancashire outfit.

Despite their incredible run of form, Droylsden may be slightly twitchy at the Lane after losing their previous two encounters with City.

Back in November, Worcester triumphed twice at the Butcher's Arms, firstly notching a thrilling 3-2 victory with Nick Colley firing the winner after Adam Webster's brace, followed by a 2-1 win in the Conference Cup.

Preece is determined to make it a treble-whammy and squeeze the life out of the Bloods' challenge for top spot.

"We really want to win this game," he said. "It's our last game at home this season and a great one to have.

"Droylsden have been unbelievable. They have won 10 on the bounce and not conceded many in that run. Our aim is to make sure it's not 11.

"We have proved twice this season with the players we've got that we can beat them. We've also been on a good run prior to the last three games.

"It's about pressure. There is no pressure on us, it's all on them. Pressure can do funny things to teams. We will need to change one or two things around, but I will be picking close to my strongest team."

Veteran Paul Carty, whose recent rousing performances at the heart of City's five-man defence have brought about plenty of praise, misses out with a one-match ban following his sending-off at Stafford Rangers.

Striker Preece is sidelined for the remainder of the season with a broken toe, while defender Shabir Khan (groin) remains a serious doubt.

Goalkeeper Danny McDonnell (groin) and Carl Heeley (ankle) have slight knocks but are expected to start.

Forward Christian Moore could take a surprise place on the bench after missing almost the entire season with anterior cruciate ligament damage.

Dan Parker starts his second consecutive match but Preece admits Carty's suspension is a serious loss in defence.

Preece said: "Paul has been outstanding since he's gone to sweeper. He's been one of our best players. He's cool and calm under pressure and reads the game really well. It's a big loss."

Droylsden boss Dave Pace has an injury-free squad to choose from. Among the names include centre-half Steve Halford, one of Preece's young players during his tenure at Bury.

Preece added: "I gave Steve his debut at Bury. He's a strong, uncompromising centre-half who goes and wins the ball. He's a great lad but they have got others too.

"Jody Banim is very tricky and good with his back to goal."