REDDITCH United pose a greater threat than their league position suggests, according to Worcester City player-boss Andy Preece.

City and the Reds renew their county rivalry when they lock horns at the Valley Stadium in Nationwide North on Saturday (3pm).

Redditch are currently in 18th place, four points adrift from the team above, and lost 1-0 at home to Moor Green on Boxing Day.

But Preece has watched Gary Whild's men play this season and has been impressed with what he has seen.

He said: "I saw them against Nuneaton in the FA Trophy when our game against Barrow was called off.

"They won 3-0 and played really well. They looked a really good side with some good individual players and they play well as a team.

"From the two games I have seen them play, I think they are a lot better side than their position warrants.

"I am surprised where they are but it's a local derby and any game against Redditch is a tough one."

The match is the second of three in a week for City who drew 1-1 at Kettering Town on Boxing Day and host the Rockingham Road outfit on New Year's Day.

But Preece said: "It's important we get focused on this one, it's a big game for us. We need to go there and get a positive result."

Craig Wilding scored Worcester's goal when the two sides met at St George's Lane in September.

That clash ended 1-1 after Robert Taylor beat Danny McDonnell with a long-distance drive in the 92nd minute.

And Preece does not expect either team to give much away this time around.

"I think it will be just the same," he said. "It will be tough, hard-fought and close.

"One piece of brilliance or a mistake could decide it. It was a piece of brilliance from 30 yards that got them a point last time. We know what to expect and we have got to be up for the battle."

Dennis Pearce is City's only injury doubt as the defender is continuing to struggle with a thigh strain picked up during the FA Trophy victory at Barrow.

Sam Wedgbury was named on the bench at Kettering after recovering from a dead leg also sustained against Barrow.

Gary Walker has returned amid glowing reports from his loan spell at Malvern but defender Shabir Khan is not due back from his time at Gloucester City until early January.