ANDY Preece believes fan-power could be the key ingredient tomorrow for what he describes as the biggest game of Worcester City's season.

For the second time in six days, City unravel the welcome mat for Moor Green although 'welcome' is unlikely to be Preece's desired term for a play-off rival.

Both sides are outside top-five contenders -- City six points adrift of fifth-placed Harrogate Town and the Moors only four points away -- so keeping up with the pace is vital.

The Moors perhaps hold a slight psychological edge after ousting City on penalties in Monday night's Worcestershire Senior Cup semi-final.

But while four teenagers and fringe players made up a significant proportion of City's youthful line-up, the Birmingham outfit were almost at full-strength.

Tomorrow's St George's Lane showdown -- along with next Monday's clash with Redditch -- have the makings of feisty Midlands affairs and player-boss Preece is calling on supporters to drive City to successive derby victories.

"I think the support is going to be key for these two games," said Preece. "We need the fans to get behind the team.

"We need their support because, whatever is said about the bad state of our pitch, we must use the advantages we have.

"When we get one of those big crowds, it is one of the noisiest crowds in this league. I want us to take full advantage of that.

"We've gone to Northwich and won, got a draw at Nuneaton and beat Hucknall. I expect a big crowd now. I consider this the biggest game of the season.

"The fans come if they see us producing good results and we've been getting that. There is a genuine chance we can reach the play-offs.

"Both us and Moor Green are in a similar position, both outside the play-offs. It's a local derby and I would expect a big crowd."

Losing just once in 10 league games, Worcester have shot up the table, leaving play-off favourites Droylsden, Harrogate and Hyde United looking over their shoulders.

Harrogate and two other contenders, Stalybridge Celtic and Kettering, all crashed to defeats on Tuesday night, presenting City with another huge favour.

Preece added: "On Monday night, we could realistically see ourselves to within a point of the play-offs.

"If we can put ourselves there, it will put immense pressure on the other sides. They will have games in hand, but they will need to get points.

"We're on a similar good run to last year, but we started it earlier this time. It's obviously not as tall an order it was last year."

He added: "We must look to beat Moor Green but it will be difficult.

"They showed on Monday that they are a strong team and well-organised.

"They played a strong side, but they will make a couple of changes. Gary McPhee and Ben Petty will come back in."

Des Lyttle came down with 'flu this week and there are concerns that City's captain will struggle to play.

Dennis Pearce (hamstring) is still a major doubt, while striker Adam Webster (groin) and defender Shabir Khan (knee) are carrying knocks.

Les Hines is available for selection after seven weeks on the sidelines though Jai Stanley is on loan at bottom club Hednesford Town.