BURY'S assistant manager Steve Redmond is unlikely to be punished by the club for his sending off - because the Shakers felt it was a harsh decision.

Redmond was dismissed by referee Mike Fletcher in the 41st minute of Saturday's ill-tempered derby after an aerial challenge with Mark Innes left the Oldham player writhing on the floor and needing treatment.

Mr Fletcher claimed Redmond used an elbow and showed a red card to the experienced central defender. However, Preece isn't so sure.

''We'll have a look at Steve's sending off on the video,'' said Preece. ''The ref said he elbowed their attacker but Redders says there's no way he elbowed him so we'll just have to see.

''Defensively we were superb. It wasn't just the defence though. Daws was getting his head on things, Reid and Billy were everywhere. We were defending for our lives and to concede so late is so disappointing. It's ended up feeling feel like a defeat.''

And, once again, Preece has words of praise for young defender Nicky Hill, who - starting only his third match of the season and having to play in a flat back four after Redmond saw red - was a rock.

Preece confirmed both Jon Newby (ankle) and Colin Cramb (head) had suffered injuries, though it's not yet known how serious they are.