AT this stage of the season, a lot of non-league clubs face a conundrum — and Worcester City are no different.

With the second half of the season under way and games beginning to run out for those heading for treading mid-table water, they have a straight choice.

Either splash the cash or be prudent and keep the status quo.

Teams might have different agendas in terms of pursuing a coveted play-off spot or avoiding a relegation scrap but the principle is the same — stick or twist.

In City’s case, they are still within comfortable striking distance of the Conference North play-offs, despite their current barren spell.

Which is where the dilemma arises. Do they roll the dice and make an expensive signing in a bid to chase that goal? Or do they work within their means and see where it takes them?

After all, they are not assured of their status in the division, which is key to keeping interest levels up in their exile from Worcester.

Manager Carl Heeley said after the Gloucester defeat that the club had to look at the bigger picture and it is difficult to argue with.

While it would be easy to take some of the FA Cup winnings or George Williams sale cash for new recruits, they have to be realistic.

City aren’t swimming in money and it is fair to say their balance sheet would not have made for great reading before the cup run.

What the matches against Coventry City and Scunthorpe United have done, apart from significantly raise their profile, is given the club breathing space.

Playing away from Worcester is a costly exercise and balancing the books — or limiting the damage — is priority number one. Anything beyond that is a bonus.

City don’t have the luxury to throw money in pursuit of success, with no guarantee of it paying off.

Likewise, they can’t afford to turn money away when it is offered, as it was for Williams by Barnsley in December.

Not that the club would have done that any differently. They have always accepted they are a stepping stone for young players, even if that leads them into a Catch 22 when it comes to progression and possible promotion.

In any case, would City even be able to survive at a higher level? Given that they have been nearer the bottom of the table in recent seasons, they need to walk before they can run.

It should not be forgotten that the club have been to the brink with their finances before. Why risk that again?

While we’d like to see City realise their potential, you can’t blame them for the careful approach.