ANDY Preece praised his players after another solid display saw Worcester City rack up their sixth Nationwide North win from eight games on the road.

Adam Webster netted a brace, while George Clegg and Leon Kelly also scored, as City thrashed rock bottom Hednesford 4-0 on Saturday.

The comprehensive victory at Keys Park offered further proof that Preece's side are far more comfortable away from their terrible St George's Lane surface.

Recent home form -- just two points from a possible 12 -- has played a significant part behind City's wavering play-off bid.

But it is the opposite scenario on their travels, City defeating Gainsborough, Hinckley, Northwich, Hucknall, Barrow and the Pitmen in an eight-match stretch.

"The Hednesford pitch might have looked bad, but it was about 20 times better than the pitch at St George's Lane," said player-manager Preece. "The lads were delighted to play on it. We've now taken 19 points out of the last 24 away from home.

"Our record over the last eight games speak for itself -- we are getting results away from home.

"We've always said that if we go and play on a decent pitch, then we fancy beating any side in this league.

"The situation is obvious. At home, we've picked up two points out of the last 12 and I don't think it's because of the way we are playing.

"It's the circumstances surrounding our pitch and, ultimately, I think that might cost us in the end.

"It is frustrating knowing where we could be.

"Of course, it's the same for both sides playing on our pitch. But it just makes it a little bit easier for teams to defend and get men behind the ball. We can't move the ball and open teams up."

Despite climbing up to ninth following victory, City's play-off hopes continue to look slim after fifth-placed Droylsden beat Harrogate 2-1.

With seven games remaining, the Bloods hold a nine-point gap on City, but Preece is not giving up.

He added: "There's still a chance. We said that we had to win our next three games and then look at the situation. Our home performances have cost us too much problems. But you can never say never until it's over."

A potential down-side from Saturday's triumph was a finger injury sustained by goalkeeper Danny McDonnell during the second-half.

Preece added: "We have to check if Danny McDonnell has broken his finger or not. It's his little finger, so it's not as big a concern."