21/2/03 - Hadley hit by injury hoodoo

The striker, only just back from nearly a year out with an Achilles problem, is suffering from a sore groin.

Adam Webster, last week's hat-trick hero in the 6-0 demolition of Folkestone, is also a doubt for the trip to Lincolnshire (3pm) after pulling out of training last night with a groin niggle and will have a late fitness test.

City's assistant manager Mick Tuohy was hopeful Webster would make the starting line-up but said Hadley's absence was a big disappointment.

"It's a massive blow because we thought he was back on track but after such a long spell out you expect to get niggles when they come back and he's picked up this groin problem which he has not shaken off," said Tuohy.

"It's disappointing but we will have to look at alternatives.

"Adam Webster dropped out of training last night with a groin strain which is more concerning because it came from nothing and after we'd done full stretching and warm-ups."

Midfielder Pat Lyons and forward David Holmes are ruled out but Darren Middleton (groin) may be forced to feature if Webster fails to start, according to Tuohy.

"Darren is not far away and if the Webster situation gets worse he may have to bite the bullet and play but again we will have to wait and see."

Left-back Paul Carty and midfielder Mitch Counsell return from suspension for the Dr Martens Premier Division encounter, though Counsell and Jon Holloway both had upset stomachs last night but again are expected to feature.

Defender Mark Shail and winger Adam Wilde both trained last night to boost City's options and there was further encouraging news with long-term injury casualty David Foy completing a training session last night.

Foy will travel with the squad tomorrow but is unlikely to play.

"David felt some slight discomfort to his injured knee at the end of last night's training session and we will wait and see what the reaction is tomorrow but unless things get really drastic he won't be involved," added Tuohy.