WORCESTER City boss Andy Preece admits it will be a big blow to lose Des Lyttle for the start of the new season but insists his skipper's red card against Cheltenham was an isolated incident.

Preece believes Lyttle's dismissal for an apparent headbutt on striker Steven Gillespie, which marred an otherwise impressive City performance, was completely out of character for the veteran defender.

He now faces being banned for the start of the Nationwide North season although City are yet to find out the length of time he will be on the sidelines.

"Some people are a little hot-headed but this is so out of character," said Preece. "Des has been a shining example to the rest of the squad."

Preece says Lyttle will be disciplined internally but is still waiting to find out what punishment the FA will dish out.

"All we know is we'll definitely be without him at the start of the season," he said.

"We're not sure what's going to happen. It could be complicated because it's in a friendly. It could be two matches, it could be three. We're not quite sure."

City face their second pre-season friendly tonight with the visit of League Two side Rochdale (7.30pm).

Preece knows Dale boss Steve Parkin well and is expecting another tough examination of his side's credentials.

"They are strong, well-organised and they like to get the ball down and play whenever they get an opportunity," said Preece.

"It's another good test for us We have learned about our defensive qualities against Cheltenham and now we want to learn more about what we're like as an attacking force."

Preece says it will be a similar line-up to the one on Saturday but is hoping to ring the changes later in the game.

"We'll probably look to give players a bit longer, especially the starting 11," he said. "We're probably looking to get a bit more game time into their legs."

City's three trialists, Adam Wooton from Hereford, Cheltenham's Tom Birch and former Redditch man Danny Scheppel, impressed Preece with their performances against the Robins.

He is planning to cast his eye over them again tonight and in tomorrow's match at Malvern Town.

Preece is still on the look-out for a new right wing-back after having a bid for one of his main targets rejected.