ST George's Lane was a mixture of highs and lows at the weekend as Worcester City produced a battling performance that almost earned a deserved draw against Third Division Rushden & Diamonds.

There were highs for Carl Heeley, making his debut in the FA Cup first round, but also lows particularly for Jon Holloway -- a forlorn figure after missing the match through suspension.

Holloway revealed he almost considered employing a solicitor to overturn the booking he picked up against Mangotsfield that put him out of the match.

His crime -- to have allegedly uttered the seemingly offensive phrase: "I'm just keeping on smiling ref" in a bid to avoid staying out of the book.

"I was so aggrieved I considered consulting a solicitor but there wasn't enough time. These matches don't come along very often and I've missed it," said Holloway.

Paul Wyatt, who lost his place to Danny McDonnell, had a boost recently when no less a judge than former City Cup hero Jim Williams, predicted Wyatt will be playing in the Football League within two years (let's hope it's with City).

Paul Carty, whose contract ran out in the summer, has reiterated his desire to stay at City but he admits he will only carry on playing if he can steer clear of injury.

"I don't want to move anywhere else and would like to play for at least another year after this one," he said. "I think I've still got a lot to offer and providing I can remain injury free I'd like to stay."

Darren Middleton continues to respond to treatment on his knee but is still doubtful for Tamworth. Darren Bullock, who should be fit, deserves a medal for even being on the pitch against Diamonds.

In the final minutes of the Rocester match he got a stud jabbed between his knee-cap and cartilage.

"It restricted me after about 20 minutes against Rushden but I just bit the bullet and battled on but fingers crossed I should be OK for Tamworth," he said.

Meanwhile, City reserve team manager Geoff Ashby has tipped teenage midfielder Mark Rollings to be pushing for a first team place by the end of the season. The 18-year-old was due to start training with the first team this week.

Finally, City legend Harry Knowles laced up his boots during a nostalgic return to St George's Lane recently to open the Harry Knowles Lounge.

"I just thought I've got to go and put the ball into the net after 45 years," said the 69-year-old. "I had a little bit of a juggle and then smacked it into the net. I'd still got the old magic -- it felt brilliant.

"Afterwards I gave the ball to one of the lads and signed it 'Harry Knowles Scores Again'.

Now there's a thought for a misty-eyed City fans!