WORCESTER City are hoping leading goalscorer Mike Symons will be fit to face Harrogate Town in the FA Trophy later this month.

The 10-goal striker pulled up with a suspected hamstring injury during last Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Guiseley at St George’s Lane.

However, the initial prognosis is not as bad as first feared and the expected six weeks on the sidelines could be reduced to three.

Although Symons is out of today’s Blue Square Bet North clash against Altrincham at the Lane (3pm), the third qualifying round date with Harrogate on Saturday, November 26, has been pencilled in for a possible return.

Assistant manager Matt Gardiner said: “He’s been assessed and we are hoping it’s not as bad as first feared. He’s definitely not available today but we are hoping he will be able to run so that’s a really good sign and he hasn’t got any pain.

“The Harrogate game is what we’re aiming for but we are not going to put any pressure on him.”

City struggled without their talisman in losing 4-1 at Droylsden on Tuesday and will be keen to have him back in the team as soon as possible.