ENVIOUS Andy Preece ranks the rise of Stafford Rangers as a classic tale of money helping deliver success.

Imperious Stafford lead the way in Nationwide North, top at Christmas ahead of favourites Northwich Victoria and Nuneaton Borough as well as a mammoth 27 points clear of Worcester City.

Preece admits his opposite counterpart Phil Robinson has done an excellent job at giving the Marston Road club a realistic opportunity of securing a Conference return following an 11-year absence.

But while City's player-boss credits Robinson for moulding a title-challenging side, he believes an injection of funds has aided Stafford's impressive surge.

"Stafford have done really well this season, all credit to them," said Preece. "They are top of the league and I think they will be up there for the duration.

"They have seen an influx of money this season and it's allowed their manager to really strengthen the team.

"He's a good manager and he's spent money wisely, bringing in good quality players. Stafford look a good, strong squad. When you have that sort of money, it does make a difference.

"It's no coincidence that top teams, like Northwich, Nuneaton and Kettering, have got big money to spend. I think there may be perhaps one or two exceptions.

"We are in a different situation, but we are building with resources that we've got."

Preece will be happy to welcome back captain Graham Hyde, absent for City's 2-2 draw at Redditch United with a bout of illness.

Few changes are expected for the Boxing Day clash, although young midfielder Liam McDonald will be itching to start after sitting out Worcester's last four games.

And striker Preece may consider starting himself up front following ineffective displays by Adam Webster and Leon Kelly against the Reds.

The fixture will mark centre-back Chris Smith's first return to Stafford since his summer move to St George's Lane.

Despite the chasm in league positions, Preece is confident City can deliver a Boxing Day punch on Rangers' noses.

He added: "Hopefully, they will come at us at their place. They will be positive and it might give us a chance to exploit them with our players.

"Stafford play it tight and they are quite physical. They don't give a lot away and I know it will be a battle out there."

Both sides played out two 0-0 league draws last season and Robinson, who watched Worcester at the Valley Stadium, is expecting a close contest in three days time and also for the January 2 return.

Robinson said: "We've played Worcester a number of times during the three years I've been at Stafford, so I'm well aware of what they can do.

"I know what sort of players they have and I'm expecting a really tough game.

"I think Worcester are a very organised outfit and, as a unit, they are impressive. Obviously, their FA Cup run shows that they are a decent team and they are probably in a false position in the league.

"We need to be at our best to make sure we get a positive result when we play them."