KETTERING Town's failure to reach the Nationwide North play-off final will make next season even tougher, according to Worcester City manager Andy Preece.

The Poppies were Preece's tip to join champions Droylsden in the Conference next season before they were beaten 4-2 on penalties by Farsley Celtic in the semi-finals.

Farsley now face Hinckley United, who beat Workington over two legs, in Monday's final at Burton Albion's Pirelli Stadium.

Kettering will now be one of two full-time clubs in the division next season, following Southport's relegation, while Tamworth train three times a week.

In addition, Telford United secured promotion with victory over Witton Albion in the Unibond Premier play-off final and have had an average crowd of 2,276 for home games this season.

Boss Preece said: "It's verging on the ridiculous how strong non-league is getting.

"With full-time teams in Conference North, that's teams with better resources than us before you've started. Our league is going to be so tough, a lot tougher than this year."

Preece also praised Farsley, who beat City twice this season, as they bid to achieve back-to-back promotions but expects Hinckley to win through on Monday.

He said: "They have done ever so well. They are the surprise package and there's no reason why they can't beat Hinckley.

"Farsley have done fantastically and no-one would begrudge them promotion. But I would go with Hinckley with the players they have got back. They're a strong outfit."

Meanwhile, Preece remains in talks with two players and is hopeful of securing their signatures in the near future.

A defender and midfielder appear to be top of the list following the departures of Des Lyttle and Tom Warmer.

Preece intends to bring in a replacement for Warmer but opted to fill Lyttle's shoes at the back rather than promote the former Nottingham Forest defender to assistant player-manager amid budget cuts.