ANDY Preece has called for greater consistency from his Worcester City troops following Saturday's eye-catching 1-0 win at title-chasing Northwich Victoria.

Preece praised his players for a deserved victory in Cheshire, earned through centre-half Justin Thompson's first ever City strike.

It was a much-improved performance from the single-goal reverse at Alfreton Town last Tuesday.

The St George's Lane boss has called for more of the same, starting tonight as Worcester host lowly Leigh RMI (7.45pm).

"We had to forget about Alfreton," said Preece. "I told the lads to go out there and show that it was a blip. They did that.

"But it shows we have to be more consistent. We were playing well before the Alfreton game and we must continue playing well."

Preece added: "We thoroughly deserved to win against one of the best teams in the league.

"In the first-half, we had five or six opportunities and they've not had a shot until the 40th minute. Nothing troubled us.

"They put us under pressure in the second-half, but Danny McDonnell had just one save to make. The one that came back off the post was about it.

"To be fair, we had the best chances. Sam Wedgbury went round the 'keeper for an open goal but put it wide. But it shows we are resolute that we did not put our heads down.

"I was delighted for Justin. He's been unlucky of late, knocking on the door for a goal and it just wasn't going his way."

City are guaranteed to climb two more places by beating Leigh and they can also leapfrog Lancaster with a three-goal win.

Adam Webster and George Clegg (both ankle) were not risked on Saturday and are unlikely to come into contention tonight, along with Les Hines (calf) and Graham Hyde (groin).

Chris Smith, who came off the bench at Vics to make his first appearance in six weeks, may line up as a substitute again.

Preece said: "This sets us up nicely for Leigh tonight. Had we lost at Northwich after losing at Alfreton, the pressure would be on us at home.

"But with these two games coming up, Leigh and Vauxhall, we can really push up the league into mid-table."