JOINT-manager Carl Heeley believes it will need an “an unusual sequence of results” for Worcester City to be relegated from the Vanarama National League North.

The Blue and Whites moved seven points clear of the drop zone after grinding out a 1-0 victory at relegation-threatened Hednesford Town on Tuesday night.

Trips to battling Bradford Park Avenue on Saturday, 20th placed Lowestoft Town on Tuesday and struggling AFC Telford United next weekend lie in wait for City before taking on high-flying AFC Fylde at Aggborough on April 30.

But having also climbed two places to 13th, Heeley is confident his side have done enough to stave off relegation for another season.

“If you look at the teams down there, they are going to have to win three out of the four games to catch us now,” he said.

“It would be an unusual sequence of results for us to go down, so that’s probably enough, but we need to get as many points on the board as we can.

“The wins against Bradford and Hednesford have helped us hugely and it could be a lot better as we should have got something out of the game (against Stockport County) on Saturday, but we didn’t. “The important thing on Tuesday was that we didn’t get beat, so to win the game was a bonus.”

Jordan Murphy was the match-winner as he struck inside the opening three minutes before City defended resiliently to come away with three points.

Worcester welcomed back captain Danny Jackman and centre back Tom Sharpe to the starting line-up and Heeley said they were key to their success.

“I thought our experience, especially right through the centre of the team, shone out,” he said.

“It wasn’t a classic game, but like I said the other week it is not about performances, it is about being effective and grinding out a win.

“And as an ex-defender, there is nothing better than a scrappy 1-0 win away from home.

“When you look at the centre halves (Sharpe and Wayne Thomas), along with Danny and Connor Gater in midfield and then Lee Hughes and Deon Burton, with Nathan Vaughan behind them all, that spine of the team knows how to win games of football.

“And much as we had to defend in the second half, we defended our box well enough and I can only remember Nathan having to make one save in the whole 90 minutes."

Heeley added: “It was a typical end of season pitch, so it was a case of putting the ball in good areas, playing the percentages and clearing your lines.

“I know it was not pretty to watch, but it was very effective and our game plan worked to a tee.”