WORCESTER City came from behind to thrash Hereford Lads Club 5-1 and go three points clear at the top of the Hellenic League Premier on Wednesday night.

In the difficult conditions, Lads Club took a shock lead after just two minutes when Matthew James slotted past Haydn Whitcombe but City responded immediately through Lockett’s first of the evening. 

The league leaders then produced a quick one-two through Belmonte and Lockett's 11th and 14th league goals of the season respectively to give themselves a two-goal cushion going into half-time.

"The reaction (to going behind) we showed was superb," said captain Adam Mace. "As you can imagine, the confidence running through the squad at the moment is sky-high and we’ve got so much belief in each other's ability that we know we will create opportunities.

"But to react in the way we did with three quick, quality goals was pleasing. In fairness to Hereford, they came and had a go at times, but we’ve still got to create those moments and at the moment we’re doing so numerous times."

And those moments kept coming after the break as Belmonte added a fourth before Lockett found Jamie Insall in the box to apply the finishing touches to make it 5-1 and wrap up a convincing victory.

The result moves City three points clear of Corsham Town at the Hellenic Premier summit with what was their tenth league win in a row.

They are now just two wins away from matching their longest run of league wins in their history (12 in the 1976/77 campaign).

Mace added: "Of course we’re all aware of the records we’re closing in on but credit to the management staff, it’s not really anything we’ve thought of too much in detail.

"We’re turning up and doing what we know we are capable of and enjoying ourselves along the way.

"We’ve got an incredible group of people with bags of experience and talent. Of course it’s great to break long records but as a group, we’ve got our goals for the season and we’re plodding along as such."

Worcester can go within one win of matching that record on Saturday afternoon when they welcome Mangotsfield United to Claines Lane (3pm kick-off).