WHAT a difference a game makes.

After the heroics of George Clegg in the thrilling 3-3 draw with Nuneaton, Worcester City came back down to earth with a bump in Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Moor Green.

The contrast could not have been much greater as the same side, with the exception of the fit-again Jay Sztybel, struggled to produce anywhere near the form of five days previous.

Manager Andy Preece had spoken of the character his injury-hit squad had shown in both the victory at Barrow and draw with Nuneaton.

"That spirit is going to take us a long way this season," he said after the Nuneaton game.

"I couldn't be more delighted with four points. We have had to work hard for both results and I think we have got our just rewards."

Fast forward to the Moor Green defeat and a dejected-looking Preece after the game.

"It was just not acceptable the way we went about the game," he said.

"I'm not here to pass blame on to people but, as a collective unit, we didn't show enough desire, passion or commitment, all things that don't cost anything."

And all the things that had given the City faithful every reason to feel confident about the season ahead.

So what went wrong? Where did all that character and desire go in the space of five days?

Well, nobody really knows. According to Preece, the players openly accept they were lacking, particularly during the first-half.

If you were to ask a motorist caught by a speed camera why they were speeding, the likelihood is they couldn't tell you.

There is no reason why they did it, they just did and know they shouldn't have done it and, more importantly, won't be doing it again.

And that's what Preece needs to ensure with his players, starting at Worksop Town tonight.

But there's certainly no reason to panic. After all, taking four points from the first three games isn't the worst start and City have already shown their battling qualities.

They also have Des Lyttle free from suspension and Justin Thompson and Mark Danks nearing full fitness.

One thing that certainly can't be helping matters is the off-field saga surrounding assistant manager Andy Morrison.

City have dealt with the matter internally and seen fit to fine Morrison and give him a three-match ban, the equivalent of a straight red card offence. Probably the right decision in the circumstances.

Now the Football Association have, rightly so, got involved and have charged Morrison with violent conduct. If guilty, that could yield another ban or fine.

The sooner this episode is behind City, the better.