WORCESTER City player-manager Andy Preece has heralded his side's current run of form as the best for two years.

The St George's Lane club have been beaten just twice, including by Basingstoke Town on penalties in the FA Cup, since losing at Hucknall Town in mid-October.

Preece, who recently signed a contract extension until the end of the 2007/08 season, was named Nationwide North manager of the month in November. During that time he led City to three successive victories and an FA Trophy win against Blyth Spartans.

The Lane boss believes the team has not played better since he took over from John Barton back in February 2005.

He said: "The way we are playing at the minute is as consistent as we have been since I have been at the club.

"We were disappointed to lose to Leigh RMI but if you take that one out, it's a while since anyone has beaten us in 90 minutes. I think the performances have been very, very good and of a high standard. We hope to continue that and get the rewards our performances deserve.

"We have got to keep that going and the longer we can keep that going the better."

The recent signings of wing-back Graham Ward from Tam-worth and former Wolves midfielder Chris Cornes, as well as defender Chris Smith's contract extension, have added to the feel-good factor currently embracing City.

Striker Adam Webster's return to fitness in the last two weeks and Sam Wedg-bury's brief loan spell from Sheffield United have also further strengthened the squad for a promotion push.

Although ninth in the table, Preece knows results against Redditch United tomorrow and Kettering Town at home 48 hours later will propel Worcester into the upper echelons of Nationwide North.

Just a few points separate the top 10 teams, currently being headed by Droylsden, and there are only three points between second-placed Hin-ckley and Kettering in eighth.

Preece said: "The league is really tight - a couple of wins could take us into the top five.

"Normally the promotion contenders are sorted out by this time of year. But there's still a lot to play for. I think the beginning of February will be the time to see what might be possible."