WORCESTER City's in-form Darren Middleton will see a knee specialist after being carried off in the 1-1 draw against Mangotsfield in the FA Trophy at the weekend.

But City boss John Barton said early indications are that the injury is not as serious as first feared when the forward crumpled under a fierce challenge in the 61st minute of Saturday's clash.

Concerns that City's injury jinx had returned to haunt them resurfaced as play was held up for more than five minutes with a stricken Middleton unable to walk.

City have seen a number of sickening injuries this season including Chris Greenman and Mark Owen, while Ian Cottrill is also due to see a specialist later this week.

"Darren's injury does not appear as bad as we first thought," said Barton.

"They've checked his cartilage and seem to think it has popped out which has caused the pain. Hopefully it will go back in again but Darren plans to see a specialist about it.

"He's had something similar a couple of years ago so we are just hopeful that this is the case.

"It's a big relief if that is the case but he's got to do nothing for 48 hours but it sounds as if he could be back quite quickly."

Middleton will miss tomorrow night's replay against Dr Martens League Western Division side Mangotsfield at Cossham Street, with a home tie against Dorchester Town in the second round on December 1 awaiting the winners.

Meanwhile Barton revealed combative midfielder Jon Holloway was distraught after picking up his fifth booking of the season against Mangotsfield, which is set to rule him out of the FA Cup first round tie with Rushden & Diamonds on November 17.

"Jon is absolutely distraught about it because he had been making a big effort to steer clear of trouble," said Barton.

"Jon knew he was on four bookings and was trying really hard to stay out of trouble.

"He just kept saying I'm going to keep on smiling' and after one challenge he said that to the referee who promptly booked him for taking the mickey. It defies belief."

City could also be in trouble with the Football Association after an incident in which a window of the referee's changing room was smashed after the match.

Hereford official Andy Williams had to be escorted from the pitch as hundreds of spectators stayed behind to jeer him off the pitch following a controversial performance which included awarding a hotly disputed penalty to the visitors, which City 'keeper Paul Wyatt saved.

Barton said the club could not condone the incident with the smashed glass.

"There will probably be a report and we as a club cannot condone that sort of behaviour irrespective of what has gone on," he said.

Jamie Hyde equalised for City after Mangotsfield, who also hit the woodwork twice, had taken a first-half lead.