SUCH was Worcester City's near-faultless display at Alfreton, onlookers would be forgiven for asking if a brand new XI had taken to the field.

Combative and creative in midfield and attack, supremely solid in defence, it is difficult to believe the same side surrendered with barely a whimper to the likes of Ashton United and Worksop Town.

You would be hard-pushed to detect a weakness in City's game on Saturday. Perhaps Leon Kelly was a touch wasteful in front of goal, while too many unnecessary free-kicks were conceded in dangerous areas.

But that's just nit-picking.

By and large, City threw in an unblemished display deserving of more than a single point, for which the majority of credit should already go to Andy Preece.

In just his third game in charge, there are pleasing signs that Preece's influence is slowly but surely rubbing off on the players.

Far from being the disjointed shambles in recent weeks, City are now much more organised, not just at the back but right through to the two strikers up top.

There is harmony out on the pitch too. At Alfreton, everyone worked hard for each other, while words of encouragement to team-mates came from all quarters -- from vocal leader Carl Heeley to the more quiet-minded Barry Woolley.

The most striking of all has been the improvement in individual performances, with midfielders John Snape and Jai Stanley in particular coming to the fore.

It may only be a handful of games since Preece took over, yet playmaker Stanley already looks a man re-born under the new management.

Impressive at home to Gainsborough, Stanley followed that with a terrific 90-minute show in Derbyshire. His deft touches and clever through-balls have always been noted traits, but Stanley added more to his creative game on Saturday by running with success at defenders and orchestrating dangerous moves into the penalty area.

The 26-year-old has been City's greatest conundrum since arriving from Moor Green for a club record £10,000 in November 2003.

Often derided by frustrated supporters, more so for his appearance than his productivity with the ball, it is fair to suggest Stanley is still to justify the price tag.

But Stanley has required two knee operations since signing on, while it could be argued that former City boss Barton failed to get the best out of the midfield ace.

The talent is clearly there to see and perhaps Preece will squeeze every ounce of class from Stanley. That can only be good news.

Furthermore, veteran Snape could be another asset in midfield if his all-action display at Alfreton is anything to go by.