MANAGER Richard Dryden is confident Worcester City can continue their superb run against Chelmsford City and spring a surprise against the league leaders.

The Essex side have not won at St George’s Lane in 19 attempts, with their last triumph being in August 1970.

However, with 11 places and 12 points currently separating the two sides in Blue Square South, the Worcester boss is firmly aware his side are underdogs for the latest encounter.

It is a tag City have been labelled with on home soil twice already this season against AFC Wimbledon in the league and FA Trophy.

They rose to the occasion with a stunning 3-2 success last month but were swept aside 3-1 in non-league’s premier knock-out competition last Saturday.

Although Dryden was quick to praise his players’ efforts last weekend, he was critical of their defending, but insists they can cut out the mistakes and make it 20 unbeaten against the Clarets.

He said: “They are top of the league and, they had a great win over Grays in the Setanta Shield in midweek so they are going to be flying.

“They are a good side, they are strong and can pass and that’s why they are top because they are consistently doing it week in, week out.

“It’s a tight league this season, a little bit like the North last year.

“Kettering were up with the chasing pack, but suddenly they opened up while other teams faltered.

“The bookies have them as favorites to win the league and they are rarely wrong.

“It’s a massive test but it’s probably come at a decent time. We are looking to turn results around and we will go in as big underdogs. If we stop giving away silly goals and put the work-rate in like we did last Saturday, we have got a chance of getting something out of the game.

“If we produce that effort and take a bit more care defensively and with the final ball, maybe we can cause an upset. They have got some dangerous players and we have got to combat them. I am confident, we have got the players here to do it.”

Graham Ward is struggling with a knee problem but is expected to continue his 100 per cent appearance record but versatile defender Jemiah Richards has been missing this week through illness.

Ward and on-loan Kidderminster Harriers midfielder Michael McGrath are both one booking away from a one-match ban.

Dryden said: “Christmas is coming and we have got players close to five bookings but at the moment we are OK. We have got to be competitve in the league.

“The only thing that upsets me is when people get booked for dissent and if they do they will get hit in the pocket.”