City chief hails his team’s self-belief

The Boxing Day victory over Gloucester City at St George’s Lane, courtesy of goals from Michael Taylor and Simon Brown, was their third in a row and 11th in 22 Blue Square Bet North matches this season.

That success has taken Worcester, who are six games unbeaten, to within a point of the play-off zone heading into 2012 and the New Year’s Day return match against the Tigers.

Heeley reckons his players believe they can win every time they step over the white line and he makes no apologies for seeing it that way.

“We’re a decent side,” he said. “I am not surprised we’re doing well. Once you get to that point when you win two or three games it can become a bit of a habit.

“I think we’re getting to that stage now where we’re starting to go out on the pitch expecting to win games.

“That brings a little bit of arrogance but there are plenty of people ready to criticise you when things are not going well so we’ll go out there believing we can win every game.

“Eventually when we do get beaten, it’s about responding and going on another run as quickly as possible.

“There’s no better feeling than winning games. I used to love it when I was a player so I know what the boys are feeling.

“There’s a feel-good factor. You wake up in the morning with a spring in your step because football’s what you enjoy.”

Coupled with their winning habit is City’s dogged determination, a trait that has gleaned points this term from situations that in the past would have ended in defeat.

They came from behind against Gloucester and did likewise against Hinckley United, a game they won 3-2 earlier this month.

Heeley added: “We’ve shown a lot of character in the last three games.

“We came from 2-0 down at Hinckley to win the game.

“Then went to Colwyn Bay on a horrible surface but rolled our sleeves up to win 2-0.

“We’ve come from behind again on Boxing Day in front of the biggest crowd of the season by some distance.

“They’re good characteristics and we’re really pleased.”