A SUSPENSION for Harrogate Town goal-machine Danny Holland could not have come at a better time for Worcester City.

Holland has scored five goals so far this term and was on target in both of last season's meetings between the sides.

But he starts a two-game ban on Saturday after being sent off for arguing over a disallowed goal for strike partner Kirk Jackson in a 3-2 win over Boston United on August 14.

His goals have helped Harrogate claim maximum points from their first five games and, along with Kettering Town, open up a five-point gap from Southport at the top of Blue Square North.

But City manager Andy Preece believes his players are up for the challenge after the Adam Webster-inspired last-gasp draw at AFC Telford on Monday.

Preece said: "It's going to be a big test but I think everyone was encouraged by the performance on Monday and we have to take that forward.

"We want to get a couple of wins as soon as possible and not let the gap get too big. If we can stay in touch, we can make a good challenge.

"It's not going to be easy against a team like Harrogate but we have got to start somewhere.

"Holland is a big player for them and he's one of the best strikers in the league and it will be a big blow for them."

Defender Rapinder Gill, who returned from an ankle injury against Telford, misses the game through a one-match suspension for his red card at Burscough.

Midfielder Graham Ward and forward Craig Wilding are also doubts with back and groin problems respectively.

Wing-back Adam Burley is not yet fit and Shabir Khan continues to struggle but Chris Smith is back in the side.

And Preece is hoping his budget will stretch to keeping teenagers Paul Barratt, Peter Doran and Patrece Liburd.

He said: "Hopefully, we can find a way of keeping those players with us, even if it is only in the short-term."

Liburd, a left-sided player, is available to take his place in the squad after having international clearance granted.

Manager Preece had hoped to include Liburd for the Bank Holiday weekend double header but was thwarted when the paperwork failed to come through from the Football Association in time.

Born in Leeds, the 19-year-old spent last season with Nottingham Forest but his most recent club was Cardiff City, who come under FAW jurisdiction.

Neil Aspin's Harrogate side ripped City apart in the first-half of their 3-2 victory at St George's Lane in October before ending their slim play-off hopes with a 1-0 win at Wetherby Road in April.

Kirk Jackson, Holland and Dave Merris were all on target in last October's victory although a George Clegg penalty and late Mark Danks strike gave City hope after trailing 3-0 at half-time.

Holland was also the difference between the sides on the final day of the season, netting 10 minutes from time.