IT is an old, sentimental clich when footballers, managers and supporters trot out the importance of home advantage.

However dull and monotonous that is, there's no denying that in the last few weeks, Worcester City have enjoyed nothing but the benefits of playing at St George's Lane.

It has been a struggle for City in their last three fixtures at headquarters, against Prescot Cables, Stalybridge Celtic and Saturday's opponents Runcorn FC Halton.

On each occasion, John Barton's men have entered the final 10 minutes of the match level at 1-1, failing to overcome sturdy visitors.

But every time, an extra gear, an extra level of performance or an extra push has been sought and found in the closing stages to handsomely reward City with 2-1 victories.

Striker Leon Kelly cracked home an 81st minute winner over Cables in the FA Trophy, while full-back Les Hines achieved a remarkable double whammy in sinking Stalybridge and Runcorn with two desperately late strikes.

Would City have snatched those goals at Valerie Park, Bower Fold or the Halton Stadium if faced in the same circumstances?

Hypothetical, I know, but the evidence shows that the Lane is proving a happy, and perhaps lucky, place for City right now.

And with 10 home Nationwide North fixtures remaining until the end of the campaign, it is important it stays that way if any promotion dreams are to be fully realised.

An inconsistent season on the road has seen City pick up just two wins from 10 and only 11 points from a possible 30, although barring Alfreton Town and Southport (17 points from a possible 27), no team has set the league alight away from home.

The sides that now put together long winning runs at home are the ones likely to book themselves a play-off spot, and there's no reason why City can't do that.

Saturday's edgy win over Runcorn would have come as a relief to many supporters who witnessed a very poor showing by City at Kettering last Tuesday.

Although City's performance failed to improve significantly on the mediocre display served up at Rockingham Road, there were indications that one or two individuals are creeping back into form.

Jai Stanley had arguably his best game since returning from a knee operation, while fellow midfielder Tom Warmer, though not back to the dazzling best he produced when arriving on the City scene, laid on both goals and was a menace to Runcorn in the last 20 minutes.

The most heartening display came from Kelly though. His fabulous, powerful runs proved a constant thorn in Runcorn's side and had the City fans on their feet.