DELIGHTED Andy Preece admits victory over Hucknall Town was vital to sustain Worcester City's ambitious play-off chances.

Strikers Mark Danks and Leon Kelly both netted as City made it 11 Nationwide North points out of 15 with a 2-1 win at Watnall Road on Saturday.

"It was important to take three points," said player-manager Preece. "I said to the lads before Hucknall that we have to win our next three games.

"We've won and now we've got Moor Green and Redditch at home. If we win those two, then we can look more realistically at the play-offs.

"That would take us to 47 points and possibly just a few points off the play-offs. You never know.

"We are on a great run, I think we've now won four, drawn two and lost one, and that includes away games at Northwich and Nuneaton."

Preece rests his first-team regulars tonight as City entertain Moor Green in the semi-final of the Worcestershire Senior Cup (7.45).

In the first of two St George's Lane fixtures against the Moors in six days, Preece will stick to his policy of selecting youngsters for the low-priority clash.

Troy Wood, Nat Bulmer, Gary Walker, Ben Walker and Lewis Skyers are all poised to start, while recognised names Jai Stanley and Les Hines will figure in their bid to regain full fitness.

Preece, expected to partner Wood in attack, said: "I've heard that Moor Green are taking it quite seriously but, at the end of the day, we will be picking the same lads that have been in the competition from day one.

"It will be as strong as it can be. It's an opportunity for young players like Gary, Nat, Troy and a few others. We've kept faith with them and they deserve to play in the final if they get there.

"I hope Moor Green do put their first team out. That would be great. We want to see these lads play against the best sides possible.

"It would be fantastic to get through to the final, but the experience is probably more important."

Preece added: "There's a good possibility that Jai and Les will play. They need games, so there's a chance they will be involved."

Tonight's winners will face Halesowen Town in a two-legged final.