OK, it is time to draw breath.

With City currently enjoying a well-deserved week without a match, what better opportunity to sit back and take stock of the first sixth of the season.

Last Friday's 1-0 win at Workington was Worcester's seventh games in under three weeks, and their third in seven days, signalling the start of eight days free of competitive action.

It goes without saying that City's start to the season has been, on the whole, excellent. But let's say it anyway.

If you had offered Andy Preece 14 points from a possible 21 before the trip to Barrow on August 12 he would have snapped your arm off.

After all, it took City until December 10 to reach the same total last season.

City have won four matches -- all away -- drawn two and lost one in reaching second place in Nationwide North. They were also top on two occasions.

That start is largely thanks to their well-documented away form.

On their travels, Worcester have been tough to break down and have taken their chances well. And, as the victory at Workington showed, they can win matches without hitting top gear.

Manager Preece said: "To win four games on the bounce at places like Workington, Barrow, Gainsborough and Worksop -- they are all tough games away from home and I am delighted with the performance."

But equally well documented is their home form which, though far from disastrous -- winning away and drawing at home is top-six form -- is a slight cause for concern.

Why City find it hard to produce victories at the Lane is the $64,000 question.

Preece and assistant Andy Morrison have this week to answer that before the visit of lowly Farsley Celtic and Redditch United on Saturday and Monday respectively.

"Hopefully, we will come back stronger and fitter for the week off," Preece said. "We can have a rest, reflect on it and enjoy it.

"I think they need the rest, the lads have put a lot of effort in. Justin (Thomspon) hasn't had a proper pre-season and he could do with a week's work, as well as Mark Danks.

"We are going to look at how we are playing at home and see how we can change things and try and take our away form back home."

Preece has heaped praise on his team's efforts, but there are several whose individual contribution has gone a long way to propelling City to where they are.

Goalkeeper Danny McDonnell has been exceptional at times. Two first-class saves at Barrow ensured three points on the opening day.

He has also kept three other clean sheets and showed superb agility to tip Graham Anthony's drive onto the bar at Workington.

That McDonnell has had little to do at times, particularly at Worksop, is because he has been protected by his defence.

Although they have never looked shaky, the back-line has definitely been stronger since Des Lyttle returned from a three-match suspension, albeit at the expense of Chris Smith, who it could be argued is more comfortable at the back than in midfield.

Craig Wilding has been the most impressive up-front, scoring twice and providing a good foil for Troy Wood.