WORCESTER City's slim hope of making the Nationwide North play-offs suffered a setback when they could only manage a 0-0 draw at Stafford Rangers.

The stalemate would have been seen as a good result in normal circumstances, but only wins will do for Andy Preece's team as the season draws to a climax.

The Worcester boss said: "Yes, we are disappointed because we could have made up a couple of points on Kettering, but it's still there for us.

"We have got to go to Altrincham tomorrow, win there, and wait to see how Kettering get on in their two games next week. By then, it could be game on again.

"So it's not all over yet, but it is now a little bit more difficult than it was before the Stafford game."

Whatever happens over the next couple of weeks, Preece is delighted with the way City have progressed since he took over in early February.

"Look at the Stafford fans' reaction in getting a point against Worcester. They would not have been reacting like that if this was about 10 games ago. It shows how far we have come.

"Teams want to stop us now and that's good," said the City player-manager.

"That's a great thing when people want to beat Worcester again. Hopefully, that will be the same next season, whatever league we are in.

"The last time we slipped up, against Stalybridge Celtic, we won five on a row, so we are capable of doing it.

"Alty is a big game now. There should be a big crowd, good atmosphere and obviously we have to win that.

"Altrincham are not in a bad position. They have taken advantage of Kettering's slip-up, but we can stop Altincham and the pressure is back on Kettering's shoulders."