STRIKER Adam Webster believes the confidence factor has played a huge part in transforming Worcester City's fortunes.

The 24-year-old forward's faith in his own ability has been given a boost since Andy Preece's arrival at St George's Lane in February.

During that time Webster has enjoyed a prolific goal-scoring spell, including an 11-minute hat-trick in the 4-0 victory at Hinckley earlier this month to take his tally to 22 for the season.

City have won eight and drawn two of the 14 games in Preece's reign which has seen the team move away from the relegation zone and push for the play-offs.

But there is no magic formula employed by Preece and assistant Andy Morrison -- just giving players the belief to perform, according to Webster.

He said: "We started well at the start of the season. The players haven't changed that much, the potential was there, but Andy Preece has come in and re-instilled that.

"He's had some different ides and it's worked out for us. Managers come in and the players want to impress.

"He's instilled confidence in myself and every individual in the squad, it's just carried on from there.

"With Andy Morrison, he has brought some shape in defence and we haven't let in many goals in the last few games and that's a good base to build on.

"He's got great experience on and off the pitch. He's managed and played at professional level. He brings in his experience and knows how players feel.

"Confidence in myself of scoring is a lot higher since before he arrived but having said that, the players have been playing around me. When the side's playing bad, you're playing bad. When they are playing well, it works for you.

"It helps you grow in confidence when you score one or two and you think you can score on a regular basis."

City's late play-off challenge may have ended at Altrincham on Tuesday, when Webster missed a penalty, but he is sure the team will continue their hard work, starting at home to Barrow today.

"I don't believe the manager would let us take it easy," Webster said. "We have set the standard and we want to keep that up.

"He will be looking for next season now and I don't believe he would want to change the style of football and the players wouldn't want to do that and finish by losing the last three games."

Preece admitted: "When you come in as a new manager, you just hope you can make a difference and do something to get the team going again.

"It's been down to the players, the way they have responded and how hard they have worked.

"You have to give them credit for keeping it going. Normally, when a new manager comes in you see a difference for three or four games but this has gone on and on. It's good they've kept that desire."