UPBEAT boss Ashley Vincent reaffirmed his steadfast belief that Worcester City are close to discovering a winning formula.

Former assistant manager Vincent’s reign kicked off with a 4-3 defeat at Newark Flowserve on Saturday following one win during pre-season.

Despite defensive frailties and all-round frustrations, there was some bright attacking play on Saturday and Vincent's faith remains undiminished ahead of welcoming South Normanton Athletic in the Midland Football League Premier Division tonight (7.45). 

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“We have 12 new boys in the squad and one of my captains, who has three promotions in a row behind him, is away,” said Vincent.

“I am starting to see the team gel, it is just nailing down that final bit of the framework we have set and getting it down to a tee.

“Certain players are not quite used to it and maybe second guessing and that then leaves short other people who are playing to it but I can see the group is really bonding and wanting to work for each other.

“They want to do it for me and Marlon (Walters, assistant manager) and more importantly for the club.

“We have created an honest group of boys and while there will be disappointments along the way, they got straight back at it at training on Monday and that’s what football is about.

“There is no time to dwell on things good or bad. When you win you’re straight back at it, when you lose it is an opportunity to put things right quickly.

“Once we get the sharpness we want in both boxes I think this will be one hell of a good team.

"I am positive about football and not lazy in the way I do things, I know I work properly and get players who want to work the same way.

“I am always going to be heartened, even on the worst days there will always be something in me that believes we will put it right.

“At the same time I am not here as a development for me or the players, this club has to win and that’s what I want to do.”

Meanwhile, Vincent had a special mention for striker Jak Jeys, the two-goal hero from the bench who got City back in with a shout at Newark despite missing the bulk of pre-season due to personal reasons.

“Jak hadn’t trained for five weeks yet came on and scored two goals, that was fantastic on a personal level for him as much as it was for the team,” Vincent added.

“I was willing something to fall for him because with the mood he was in I had a feeling he would get something for us.

“We will continue to support Jak as he puts in the graft and hopefully we will see plenty more of that from him.”