WORCESTER City manager Carl Heeley was left to rue more injury woes despite the club earning their first away win of the season at Gainsborough Trinity.

First-half injuries to midfielder David McDermott and key forward Mike Symons will leave City struggling for numbers for Saturday’s FA Cup third qualifying round tie at Leamington (3pm).

Symons seemed in particular distress as he was stretchered off at Northolme during the 2-1 Vanarama Conference North victory with what looked like a worrying ankle injury.

The former Oxford City target man instantly called for a substitution after landing awkwardly while defending a corner.

Following a hospital scan, it was confirmed Symons had torn ankle ligaments rather than suffered a break, which was first feared, but it will mean a lengthy absence.

Heeley said: “Mike went off to hospital and they assessed it.

“We thought it could have been an ankle break or ligament damage but he was in a lot of pain.

“With us also losing David with a hamstring strain, it’s another couple of injuries picked up.

“It’s frustrating and a major blow for us. But we’ve just got to get on with it.”

McDermott was particularly impressive on the day as he had a hand in both City goals, which were scored by right-back George Williams and attacking midfielder Sean Geddes.

Despite the injuries, Heeley was pleased with the impact the substitutes made in the game, particularly former Kidderminster Harriers forward Nick Wright.

He said: “I was watching that game thinking, ‘How has Nick Wright not got on the scoresheet?’ “His performance was very strong and he looked a threat on the shoulder of the defender all afternoon.”

Wright managed to hit the woodwork in both halves after replacing Symons in the 24th minute.

City’s goals were the first they had scored away from home all season. Meanwhile, City introduced forward Jordan Murphy as a substitute at Gainsborough after he signed on a one-month youth loan from Walsall.

The 18-year-old was snapped up by the Saddlers last month from Stourbridge following a trial spell.

The Birmingham-born youngster was a regular on the scoresheet while coming through the ranks with Stourbridge.

He had trials with Bournemouth and Birmingham City during the summer.