COURAGE over caution. Adventure over restraint. Youth over experience.

Andy Preece deserved praise for masterminding the stunning FA Cup downfall of Accrington Stanley with a depleted squad at his disposal.

And Worcester City's boss warrants even more credit for his team selection against Barrow.

Preece struck a victory for loyalty by keeping the faith in young midfield trio Tom Warmer, Danny Hodnett and Sam Wedgbury.

He had no alternative but to press ahead with the threesome in the FA Cup, given the extent of injuries to the City squad.

It was a different story on Saturday, though, as skipper Graham Hyde was free to resume his position in the centre of the park.

But Preece rewarded his fledglings for two magnificent performances against Accrington. In both ties, they ran, tackled and harried for 90 minutes, providing the necessary grit and determination to prevail in the engine-room battle.

It was a brave move, especially as Worcester were without a Nationwide North victory in eight attempts.

Former manager John Barton was reluctant to indulge in the club's up-and-coming players, insisting the burden of responsibility was often too great for youngsters.

Preece, on the other hand, is not worried exposing 16-year-old Wedgbury and 18-year-old Hodnett, alongside the oldest of the bunch, Warmer, who recently turned 21.

"I'm a big believer that if the team is playing well then you should not really tinker with it too much," revealed Preece.

"I think it's the fairest way to be. The young lads deserved the opportunity to keep their shirts and thankfully they helped win us the game.

"There is always a time when people might just be looking a bit jaded and need a rest. But with the strength we now have coming off the bench, it's all about people keeping their places. If the lads don't perform, they know someone else will come in. That's what we want.

"We need to create that sort of atmosphere where it's a good team spirit, but the players know that somebody is waiting to take their place."

Preece has been bold, but will he omit Hyde again on Saturday at Chippenham Town?

The first round clash at Hardenhuish Park is a 3,000-capacity sell-out, ensuring an intimidating and hostile reception for City.

In such a cauldron atmosphere, Preece may feel he needs Hyde's know-how and maturity.

But I'd like to see Preece trust his young guns, who are enjoying the time of their lives.

Wedgbury continues to shine and revealed both sides to his game against Barrow. Before the interval, the academy kid showed smart vision to thread Leon Kelly on goal with an eye-of-the-needle pass.

Wedgbury also demonstrated his defensive qualities, timing a sliding tackle to perfection as Chris Taylor raced through.

No-nonsense Hodnett has really caught the eye, despite playing out of his favourite position. He has a good motor and tackles every bit as hard as Hyde.

But for my money, Warmer was City's stand-out performer over the course of both Stanley ties.

Earlier this season, the future looked grim for the ex-West Brom trainee after failing to appear in Worcester's opening six games.

But from that point Warmer has not looked back, producing a consistent run of fine displays.