WORCESTER City boss Andy Preece believes the next four games will be crucial to his side's season.

City, who drew 0-0 at Hyde United on Saturday, face tou-gh Nationwide North games at Lancaster City and home matches with Scarborough and Droylsden.

Now they have been handed the mother of all journeys in the FA Trophy third qualifying round at Nationwide Nor-th high-fliers Blyth Spartans on Saturday, November 25.

It all adds up to a testing November for City, but Preece is confident the players can rise to the challenge, particularly against a Blyth side they defeated 3-2 at St George's Lane in September.

He said: "It is a tough month but it will certainly shape our season. The way we bounced back from the cup defeat was good."

Preece admits the 512-mile round trip to Blyth is not the kindest of draws but, given City's run of three home ties during their FA Cup campaign, he is not complaining.

"Our away form has been pretty good all season. We are going to need to be at our best to get something at Blyth."

Meanwhile, City's reserves visit AFC Telford United in the Central Conference tonight (Tuesday 7.45pm).