WORCESTER City manager Carl Heeley reckons his players are finally beginning to believe they can be a force this season.

The Blue and Whites recorded their first victory of the campaign on Saturday with a 2-1 success over title-chasing North Ferriby United at Aggborough.

Prior to the match, Heeley claimed City could have been top of the table with better fortune from their first five games.

The City boss said: “When I said I thought we could have been top of the league, I genuinely meant it and if we had taken our opportunities then we would have been.

“That said, we didn’t take them, but we’ve beaten the league leaders — a side that are proven and can go the distance.

“I felt we could beat North Ferriby but sometimes it’s getting the belief into everybody else.

“We’ve done it and won a game but let’s not get carried away.”

Meanwhile, Heeley was disappointed at Ebby Nelson-Addy’s decision to join Vanarama Conference North rivals Brackley Town.

The former Aston Villa midfielder signed for the Saints on Friday and played in their 2-1 defeat at Chorley 24 hours later.

Nelson-Addy, whose last appearance for City came against his new employers on Bank Holiday Monday, had spent much of the summer away from Worcester, including a trial at Woking, before agreeing a new deal on the eve of the season.

Heeley said: “In all honesty, I’m disappointed in that because I thought we were incredibly patient with him over the summer and struck a deal the day before the season kicked off.

“I understand his reasons, he lives in Milton Keynes so it’s a lot less travelling and they’ve made him a very good offer financially.

“Sometimes, as much as it’s frustrating, you take it on the chin and I wish him all the best.”