ANDY Preece believes his `outstanding' Worcester City side were robbed of a victory at league leaders Stafford Rangers.

City picked up a point after drawing 1-1 at Marston Road, meaning they are still without a Nationwide North away win this season.

Skipper Des Lyttle gave Worcester a shock lead with an acrobatic volley and striker Adam Webster missed three glorious chances to put the game beyond Stafford's reach.

City were left to rue those spurned opportunities as Rangers levelled with seven minutes left, debutant Matt Clarke scoring on his debut following his Christmas Eve move from Redditch United.

But Preece was fuming over their goal, claiming the free-kick that led to Clarke's equaliser should not have been awarded.

Despite Stafford's late sting, Worcester's player-manager was full of praise for his players.

"I'm gutted for the lads because they did not deserve that. They were outstanding," said Preece.

"Stafford didn't have a shot all game and we had four or five very good opportunities.

"We should have won it, simple as that. I'm disappointed that we've drawn because we dominated the game and dominated chances. Stafford are top of the league and playing at home and haven't caused us any real threat during the game.

"The game should have been dead and buried. It was a poor goal for us to concede, with poor marking, but I did not think it was a free-kick in the first place.

"The linesman was flagging, but I don't know what for, because the referee did not need any help in giving free-kicks.

"There were about 60 free-kicks during the game. It was free-kick after free-kick and it killed the game."

Preece said: "I thought throughout the team, it was a real good performance.

"Everybody did their jobs and that makes a difference. You have to be like that if you are playing the team top of the league."

Preece admits that a City win would have been secured but for woeful second-half finishing.

He added: "You cannot miss those sort of opportunities away from home because Stafford were going to get a chance at some time.

"The game would have been over. The goalkeeper has made a great save from Webby at his feet, but he's missed a free-header and the one putting him through.

"It's surprising for Webby. If he gets three chances, you expect him to score one of them."