WORCESTER City's colossal three-man defence deserves every plaudit thrown their way.

At the moment, breaking down the rear-guard of Chris Smith, Justin Thompson and Des Lyttle is akin to unlocking Fort Knox.

Teams up and down Nationwide North, including the very best, Nuneaton Borough and Northwich Victoria, have found it a puzzle.

Statistics tell their own story. Since the New Year's Eve 4-0 drubbing at Hyde, City have reeled off 13 league matches without conceding more than a single goal.

What's more, they can brag of seven clean sheets in 12 games, including four on the spin before Saturday's 2-1 win at Hucknall Town.

Of course, Smith, Thompson and Lyttle justifiably earn most praise. They provide the foundations.

Others must take credit too. Dennis Pearce has been a real find, slotting in with the minimum of fuss after Smith crocked his knee on Boxing Day.

Rob Warner, Les Hines, Shabir Khan and Danny Hodnett are also cogs in the wheel.

It is easy to recognise the work of Worcester's defenders, but it is a combined team and management effort. There are unsung heroes who perhaps do not quite attract the kudos they merit.

Danny McDonnell and Tom Warmer have important jobs, although the pair sometimes go unnoticed.

Arguably one of non-league's most talented 'keepers, McDonnell can often be taken for granted.

The amiable 32-year-old, who prefers to shy from the limelight, has been in sparkling form in recent months with his reflexes and safe hands as sharp as ever.

An imperious defence is making McDonnell's life that much easier, but when a vital save is needed, the Midlands stopper comes up trumps nine times out of 10.

The hallmark of a top goalkeeper is often established in quieter games, when for long periods they become bystanders to the action.

All of a sudden -- bang -- a shot flies in. Concentration is so vital and McDonnell has demonstrated that twice in the past week.

At Nuneaton Borough, with City's defence seemingly comfortable, Jez Murphy broke free from his shackles for the first time.

But ever-alert McDonnell won the battle, snuffing Boro's star striker with a superb stop.

Then at Watnall Road on Saturday, as Hucknall Town searched for a late equaliser, McDonnell leapt full stretch to thwart Robert Pell's stinger.

The two crucial saves helped Worcester glean four points from their travels, instead of one.

Similar to McDonnell, midfielder Warmer goes about his business unassumingly but effectively.

The former West Brom schemer is not the most spectacular of players, but his no-frills, no-fuss contribution suits City.

Although not the tallest, 5ft 5in Warmer has a big heart. He puts his foot in time and again, pressurises opponents and chases lost causes, qualities that City fans value.

There is no shortage of quality either. Like all good midfielders, Warmer is a fine distributor and excellent at ball retention, even in tight squeezes.

He will be disappointed not to hit the scoresheet this season, especially after smashing in a couple of pearlers last term.

But there is more to his game, including helping protect the defence, and Andy Preece has come to rely on the 21-year-old.

The best compliment to pay Warmer is that Worcester have not missed veteran Graham Hyde to any large extent.