WORCESTER City are certainly a team built on solid foundations.

With just over half the season gone, Carl Heeley’s side have the second best defensive record in the whole of Conference North.

Only league leaders Fylde are more stubborn when it comes to conceding goals, having shipped 17 compared to City’s 20.

But, conversely, only one team has scored fewer goals than the Blue and Whites - Brackley Town with 23.

Along with Harrogate, Worcester have managed just 25 goals so far, although the Yorkshiremen have played four more games.

Nevertheless, City’s lack of potency in front of goal is giving cause for concern for manager Heeley and his coaching staff.

With Worcester’s records at either end of the spectrum, it is therefore unsurprising to see them sitting in mid-table.

It must also be particularly frustrating for officials and fans alike knowing that a few extra goals could make all the difference.

City head into tomorrow’s derby clash against Gloucester City at Whaddon Road (3pm) looking for their first goal since December 20, when Mike Symons’ strike was enough to beat Stalybridge Celtic.

Interestingly, their barren spell coincides with right-back George Williams’ departure to Barnsley.

However, assistant manager Matt Gardiner reckons it is more deep rooted than that.

He said: “This issue was here when George was here as well. If you look at our goals-for, we have been winning games 1-0 and 2-0 and we went on a purple patch with a lot of cup football. But up until the Gainsborough game in October we hadn’t won away from home.

“I don’t think it’s down to that, I think it’s down to other things. We know where the issues are, we’ve just got to resolve them.

“If you look at our defence, including the keeper, with any combination we’re quite solid, it’s just execution in the final third.”