ANDY Preece will be hoping his confidence-shot Worcester City side take inspiration tomorrow from their previous Nationwide North encounter with Alfreton Town.

When City struck a poor run of form earlier this season, losing four straight games last Autumn under former manager John Barton, a Friday night goalless draw against the Derbyshire outfit stopped the rot.

Following on from that stubborn St George's Lane stalemate, which incidentally yielded the club's last clean sheet in the league, City went six games without defeat.

Another similar run at this stage of the campaign is likely to keep City's head above water as they battle to preserve their status in the inaugural division.

Preece's tenure got off to a disappointing start with consecutive home defeats to Southport and Gainsborough, but the player-boss is more and more confident that his first points with City are just around the corner.

The 37-year-old striker scouted Alfreton on Tuesday night as they ended their own poor run of four defeats with a slim 1-0 victory at Lancaster.

Preece believes his players have nothing to fear at the Impact Arena.

"We are not that far away from a good result", said Preece. "It will be a tough game but if we do things right, I'm confident of getting something.

"You have got to think positive to get up the league. You can't worry about things too much. We are on a bad run and it will take a few things to get us out of it.

"Alfreton were on a bit of low until Tuesday night and I suppose that win now gives them some confidence. They are an outstanding side because of the players they have got.

"If you look at their team, they have quite a few players who played in the Football League last year or the year before. They have a lot of experience.

"But it will all be about how we go about things. If we do things right and cut out the errors that cost us in previous games, then we've got a very good chance."

Preece's first signing, former Bury midfielder George Clegg, is expected to make his debut tomorrow.

However, Preece is struggling after injuring ribs against Gainsborough, while full-back Les Hines (calf) and Shabir Khan (groin) are still doubts.

Midfielders Nick Colley, Liam McDonald, Pat Lyons, John Snape and Aleksejs Volosanovs are all looking to make their first starts under Preece after appearing in Wednesday night's 2-0 reserve loss at Stafford Rangers.

Preece added: "One or two did okay. Nick and Snapper played quite well. It was a chance for me to look at all the players I've got available."

Veteran Peter Duffield, a former striker partner of Preece at Stockport County and Carlisle United last season, is Alfreton's biggest threat with 14 league goals this season.

Preece said: "He is one player that we will have to be wary of. He's small, holds the ball up well, has good movement and likes to play. He's an out-and-out goalscorer with a great record."