SCORING goals has been Worcester City's Achilles heel this season but Andy Preece believes it should no longer be the case.

The signing of breezy striker Mark Danks to the St George's Lane fold looks, so far, to be the turning point in City's fortunes in front of goal.

Until Tuesday night, City were Nationwide North's poorest scorers on 23. But that changed in a flash when inspired Danks lashed a stunning brace to help sink Hinckley United 3-1.

While executioner Danks gained most plaudits at the Marston Stadium for two wonderfully, clinical finishes -- strikes that have been in short supply this year -- player-manager Preece reserved special praise for partner Adam Webster.

On his Leicestershire patch, diligent Webster was in fine form, supremely confident after notching the stoppage-time winner at Gainsborough last Saturday.

He buried Worcester's vital equaliser before half-time, taking his season's tally to 14 which includes seven in the league.

"Webby was outstanding. That was Webby at his best -- what we all know he can do," said Preece. "He carried us through the game in the first-half. I thought he was head and shoulders above anybody else on the pitch.

"He led the line superbly and thoroughly deserved his goal. He looked really confident and after scoring again, hopefully we will see those sort of performances from him until the end of the season."

Preece continued: "Webby has been pretty consistent this season. Looking at his record, it is pretty much one goal in every three games, or maybe a bit better.

"We sometimes criticise him, but he's got that record. He gets into good positions so we must keep putting the ball in the right areas for him."

The Webster-Danks partnership is guaranteed to receive a third outing tomorrow against mid-table Workington.

Danks has impressed the City boss following his move from Forest Green Rovers, although Preece is not surprised by his sudden impact. Preece said: "We know what Mark is capable of doing and that is putting the ball in the back of the net.

"He scored two great goals (at Hinckley). I'm pleased with that and hopefully there's more to come."

With midfielders Graham Hyde (groin) and Jai Stanley (knee) at least a week away from a first-team return, and Chris Smith (knee) out for more than two weeks, minimal changes are expected as City seek a fourth league win in five matches.

Teenager Sam Wedgbury -- on trial at Sheffied United -- could be involved, but Preece may stick to a winning line-up.

By defeating the Cumbrian Reds, Worcester can edge closer to mid-table and by 5pm tomorrow, they could feasibly sit nearer to the fourth play-off spot, in points terms, than 20th place.

Preece said: "The next step is Workington and getting a good result. The league table is very close, so things can change so suddenly with one result.

"We are taking it one step at a time. If we move within six points of the play-offs, then we still have a chance. But if we are six points from the bottom, there's a chance of going down. That's how close it is."