ANDY Preece believes Worcester City's ship-shape defence will be the key to safe passage into the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup tomorrow (2pm).

But the St George's Lane boss warned Des Lyttle, Justin Thompson and Chris Smith will not find it heavenly against Tonbridge Angels.

The confident Kent club are dangerous visitors, despite their status two leagues below Worcester.

Top of Ryman League Division One, Angels are unbeaten in all competitions and boast Horsham, Hastings United and Ryman Premier pacesetters Fisher Athletic among their FA Cup victims.

More impressive is their goalscoring record, having netted in all 14 matches this season. Before their 1-1 draw at Molesey on Tuesday night, Tonbridge scored at least two goals in 12 consecutive matches.

Angels' attacking pedigree cannot be disputed, although they meet their match in City's back-three which is steadily developing into a solid unit.

Worcester have conceded just once in three games, courtesy of an unfortunate Lyttle own-goal at Moor Green, and it is that solidity at the back which Preece is relying on to reverse the struggling club's fortunes.

"We are getting an understanding with the three defenders," said Preece. "We were pretty strong at the back at Lancaster.

"There were one or two occasions when people didn't take responsibility and only once when we got in trouble, but apart from that we looked solid.

"We knew we needed to do something to stop conceding silly goals. Things have improved and we've only conceded once in our last three games and that was an unlucky own goal.

"There is still room for improvement though. We could do with being a bit more solid in the second-halves of games. With the statistics Tonbridge have got, scoring at least two in a lot of games, we know it's going to be a test for us. The defence is not going to have as comfortable a time as they did against Bemerton."

While Angels pose a threat in attack, their weakness lies in a defence that has managed just one clean sheet this term. Preece added: "I'm confident we will cause them plenty of problems. There are goals in the side and we are dangerous when things go right for us."

Veteran forward Preece, who suffered from concussion last week, returns for City after omitting himself from action in the goalless Nationwide North draw at Giant's Axe.

But there is no comeback yet for George Clegg (hamstring), Jai Stanley (knee), James Smith (neck), Les Hines (thigh) and Nick Colley (hamstring).

Tom Warmer is likely to keep his place in central midfield, although 16-year-old Sam Wedgbury is breathing down his neck after two impressive substitute displays.

The visitors, who are staying overnight in the county as part of their preparations, are without skipper Steve Aris for the next five weeks as he rests from a nose operation.

Tonbridge player-boss Tony Dolby is confident his side can spring a surprise at the Lane.

Dolby said: "Worcester are a good side but right now are struggling. We will go there in good spirits believing we can get a result."

The clubs last met in 1973/74 when City were relegated from the Southern Premier League.