MANAGER Andy Preece is hoping his two new signings can inspire Worcester City to greater things.

Stephen Jenkins and Abder-rahman Traore both started in City's 1-0 victory at Working-ton on Friday before being replaced in the second-half.

Welsh international full-back Jenkins has initially joined the St George's Lane club for a month, while Malian striker Traore, who has played for two clubs in the French fourth division, has been handed a trial.

Deals for the pair were se-cured late last Thursday and clearance received on Friday enabled them to travel with the squad to Cumbria.

The double swoop came after City were unsuccessful in their bid to sign Alfreton full-back Ryan Clarke.

City had matched the Derby-shire club's asking price for the player, who played in the 0-0 draw between the sides on Bank Holiday Monday, but Alfreton ultimately decided not to release the 22-year-old.

Preece said of his new acquisitions: "I thought they both did really well, they both gave us something different.

"Jenks has been around, he's a Welsh international and he gives us that steadying influence and a bit of organisation.

"He's a good talker and that was his first game back after three or four months out. He did well to last as long as he did and I thought he did a great job for us.

"Traore was a livewire and has good pace. He was brave, showed good strength and never gave the defenders a chance.

"I was pleased with both their performances and I thought they added something to our team."

City's win at Workington was their third clean sheet away from home so far this season.

Preece said: "We were pretty comfortable in defence -- they didn't create anything.

"We just lacked a bit of quality in our passes up to the front men which made it a bit difficult for us to get out.

"But other than that we were very solid as a unit defensively, that's from front to back.

"We would be happier if we had kept the ball better and given them a few more problems defensively but ultimately we got the result."