ANDY Preece's former striking partner Peter Duffield has vowed to win the battle of the veterans when the two collide at Alfreton Town's Impact Arena today.

Town forward Duffield, 36, is good friends with Worcester City's player-manager having been team-mates last season at Carlisle United and, more than a decade ago, at Stockport County.

It was March 1993 when County boss Danny Bergara drafted Duffield in on loan from Sheffield United as cover for the injured Preece.

Although the striking pair got very little chance to team up together at Stockport, they both took to the field during the 1993 Autoglass Windscreen Shield Final which County lost 2-1 to Port Vale.

It was the last time the duo worked in tandem on the same side until Carlisle snapped up Duffield from Boston United close to last term's transfer deadline.

"I know Andy very well and it will be great to see him again", said Duffield. "We go back quite a long way and I consider him a good friend, though he won't be at kick-off of course.

"Initially, I went to Stockport because Andy was injured. I'm sure he did either his hernia or knee but he was out for about three or four weeks.

"I don't necessarily think I went there to replace him, just as cover. I don't think we played that much together because big Kevin Francis was there scoring about 30 goals.

"When Andy came back from injury, he got his place back, then I took it back off him again. I would be surprised if I partnered him that much. We probably played more together when we had three up front.

"I know we both played in the Autoglass Windscreen final at Wembley in 1993. What I remember well is Andy taking a wallop to his head and afterwards when we picked up our loser medals, he was asking us where he was and what the score was!

"Obviously, we linked up at Carlisle when I was there for about a few months. We did cross paths throughout the years, especially when he was managing Bury and I played against them a few times."

Pace

Duffield added: "I don't think myself or Andy had that much pace. I had to do all the running for Andy because he was lazy! But he was very strong, a very good striker and a good first-touch player.

"He made no secret at Carlisle that he wanted to be a manager again. I think he will do great for Worcester. For a manager of his age to last four years at Bury, he must have been doing something right.

"He's not just a very good player but also a very nice bloke too. I would imagine knowing him as I do, if he has anything to say he will say it to your face, but he'll do it in a very positive manner. I'll be very surprised if he is a ranter or raver.

"I can fall out with players on occasions because I'm quite opinionated, but I can only ever say positive things about Andy. I'm sure I'll have a beer with him after the game."