EVER since Worcester City left St George’s Lane they have been punching above their weight.

When they finally bade farewell to the old lady two years ago, many thought it would be the beginning of the end.

In reality, however, the past couple of seasons have been among the most enjoyable and successful for the Blue and Whites in many a year.

Moving to Aggborough gave them a clean slate, new lease of life and, while their long-term future does remain uncertain, they have made the most of the situation.

It would have been easy to have given up, admitted defeat and said to all concerned thanks for the memories.

Instead, they are about to begin their third season in exile — Saturday’s trip to Gainsborough Trinity followed by Tamworth at Aggborough on Tuesday — with fans wondering whether a play-off place in Conference North is out of the question.

That was unthinkable when bull-dozers flattened the Lane in 2013.

For they were heading into the unknown and the management team of Carl Heeley and Matt Gardiner, then the former’s assistant, were starting from scratch.

Fast forward 24 months and City have recorded finishes of 15th and ninth and last season enjoyed their most enthralling and lucrative cup run for 30 years.

An indication if ever it was needed of how far they have come.

So, what next? City want to improve each year but also know that remaining at their current level is paramount in terms of finances and crowd numbers — something that gets tougher with each year they away from Worcester.

Yet, having added the likes of seasoned campaigners Darren Campion at left-back and striker Ryan Rowe to the squad, not to mention the talents of midfielder George Nash and defenders Kieran Morris and Alex Gudger, now joint managers Heeley and Gardiner appear to have more strength in depth than last season.

Without taking liberties, remaining in the division is something they would expect to achieve, even if the bookies once again have them down to struggle.

Which means over the months ahead City can look up the table rather than down with genuine belief.