PATHETIC is a strong word. But that is what Andy Preece chose to describe Worcester City's Nationwide North goal return before the demolition of Hednesford Town.

Preece wore a broad grin after City pummelled the Pitmen 6-2 at St George's Lane, primarily because it meant another three points to take his side away from the relegation danger-zone.

But aside from victory, Preece took delight in the sudden goal-rush that may finally put to right Worcester's lack of productivity in the final third.

Before last Saturday's carnage, City found the net just nine times in 12 league outings, the worst record in the division.

Creating chances was never a problem. In fact, City were regularly out-matching opponents in terms of shots on and off target.

But instead of putting the ball into the net, it was either rolling past the upright, clipping the crossbar or sailing wide.

Rattling six goals past lacklustre Hednesford should be the ideal platform in taking City's league position in an upwards direction.

"We've been threatening to score goals all season," admits Preece. "I would not have liked to have said who against or when, but we felt it was going to happen the way we had been playing.

"Scoring goals just hasn't happened for us. We've been the lowest scorers in the league and that's been frustrating.

"It's weird that from the chances we've created this season, the number of goals has been pathetic.

"What makes it crazy is that we've never sat back and defended in games. We've created chance after chance after chance in so many games.

"But the goals came against Hednesford. They made a few mistakes and we capitalised on that."

Preece added: "Leon Kelly worked really hard. He got into the right situations and positions to score. He did that all the time and got his just rewards.

"He's a nightmare to deal with when he's running and chasing at you. You just don't want to be playing against him when the ball's going over the top of your head and he's running behind you.

"It hasn't happened for Leon this season, but he got a hat-trick and Adam Webster also picked up a goal which is great for him.

"Hopefully, they will go from strength to strength. The harder they work, suddenly the goals will come. I felt their work-rate upped in the last month and I think that's been the difference."

City left it too late to mount a serious push for a play-off place last season, despite their best efforts. If a top-five berth is the aim again, Worcester must build from this momentum.

Confidence should not be in short supply following the FA Cup run and the squad is almost back to full strength. Nick Colley, George Clegg and Les Hines returned to the starting line-up after almost two months on the treatment table.

Their presence is invaluable if City's league form is to motor onwards and upwards.

Once Shabir Khan, James Smith and Jai Stanley overcome their respective injuries, an entire squad will be at Preece's disposal.