ANDY Preece is demanding better finishing from his Worcester City side following Saturday's narrow 1-0 FA Trophy success over 10-men Hayes.

A clinical second-half strike from midfielder George Clegg -- his fourth competitive goal in only five starts this season -- was enough to guide City into the competition's last 32.

But Worcester were made to sweat for victory against the Missioners, who had Kevin McKenna sent off on 35 minutes for two bookable offences.

The negative Nationwide South outfit defended in numbers for large sections of the game, although City spurned good chances before Clegg's winner.

"If we had taken our real best chances, then we would have won by five," said player-manager Preece. "We also had scrambles and long-range efforts. But it's a concern that we are not taking those easier chances.

"Some of the chances we missed were clear-cut --- not quite open goals but chances we should take.

"George has done well and that's the Cleggy we know. He has been out for a while and this was only his second full game back, but he's getting better and better.

"It was a great finish and George is capable of that. He will break forward, past the front men and we need midfielders that will do that."

Preece added: "I'm just delighted to get through. I was panicking that it was going to be a replay, but I'm pleased with the performance and result.

"It's going to be tough at home, as I've said before. After the game, Jock (Andy Morrison) went up to the Hayes manager and said `Unlucky', and he replied `We only came here for a draw'.

"You just wonder what on earth is going on, but I think people know we are a good side and that's getting through."

During the second-half, Preece came under attack from home supporters for substituting midfielder Tom Warner, who picked up a first-half booking, and for not bringing on young striker Troy Wood as City searched for a goal.

But Preece defended his decisions, insisting they contributed to the tie's final outcome.

He added: "I can understand where the supporters are coming from. I had an average game and people wanted Troy on. But it's picking and choosing the right games for him. I don't think it would have been right to put pressure on him in a situation like that.

"Tom was outstanding but he picked up a booking and I wondered whether it was worth risking him just one more time. Every tackle was getting a booking and I played the percentages."