ANDY Preece may consider organising a rain-dance as Worcester City aim for sweet revenge at bogey club Stafford Rangers tomorrow.

City must terminate Stafford's recent stranglehold in meetings between the two sides if they are to harbour hopes of clinching a Nationwide North play-off place.

The St George's Lane outfit have failed miserably to overcome Rangers in seven previous league encounters with a 2-1 away triumph on November 18, 2000, proving their last success.

Preece's in-form side should be confident of ending Stafford's dominance, though, after recording eight wins in their last nine games.

However, City's player-manager has been unimpressed with the rock-hard Marston Road surface in recent watching briefs and is concerned the pitch condition could affect Worcester's chances.

Preece is now praying for a pre-match downpour to help his side gain another three points.

"I'm hoping there's some rain beforehand," said Preece. "Because when I watched Stafford play Nuneaton, the pitch was very hard and bobbly and that will make it difficult for us.

"I've seen them a couple of times and they have good players, good spirit and they all work hard for each other. This is not going to be easy."

Stafford have conceded 38 league goals this term, the second-best record behind leaders Southport, but eight were leaked in their last three games as boss Phil Robinson tinkered with the formation.

Preece said: "I think they have changed their system a little bit over the last few weeks. When I've seen them, they've played with three at the back, then with a four.

"Perhaps they are looking at different things for next season. It will be interesting to see which system they use.

"But they have shown that they are strong at the back and difficult to break down. We have just got to keep things tight in the first half-hour.

"If we get a chance, we've got to take it. Once we get in the lead, things open up and we've seen before that we have enough quality in the squad to score goals.

"Once we score, the belief is there that we can hang on to that and win the game."

Preece is expected to name an unchanged line-up again which means further heartache for midfielders John Snape and Tom Warmer. Nick Colley should face his former team.

Sharpshooter Adam Webster will endeavour to hit the net for the sixth consecutive game, while 'keeper Danny McDonnell has the opportunity to post a third straight clean sheet.

Preece added: "Confidence is good and the lads have all got smiles on their faces. They just can't wait for the next game.

"Everybody is enjoying it. Looking at it, perhaps those who may not be enjoying it as much are those who cannot get into the team. But they will be pleased with the results.

"I would expect anybody out of the team to be frustrated. But I know I've got good players to come in and that helps."