WORCESTER City may have to "tighten their belts" if they don't progress in the FA Cup, according to chairman Anthony Hampson.

The Blue and Whites get this season's campaign in the competition underway when they host Rugby Town in the second qualifying round tomorrow (3pm).

Victory is worth £4,500 to the winners, a figure that would ease the burden on City's meagre finances.

Manager Carl Heeley strengthened his squad during the summer and keeping that together is key to Worcester remaining competitive in Vanarama Conference North.

Hampson said: "We usually budget for an average cup run prior to setting the playing budget. If we don't progress then we have to consider tightening our belts or seeking funds from outside to attempt to balance the books.

"It is important to keep our season going for as long as possible so that our supporters have enthusiasm and energy to come out for those games that often they may feel like passing over.

"Success breeds confidence and a winning mentality. As far as we can progress is the club's target and to take each match as it comes along."

It is the second successive season that City have faced Rugby, who play two tiers lower down the non-league ladder in the Southern League Division One Central.

They met in the third qualifying round 12 months ago with Worcester needing a replay to progress following a 0-0 draw at Aggborough.

Heeley's side, who had defeated Coventry Sphinx 4-0 in the previous round, went on to lose at Lincoln City in another replay in the final qualifying round.

Worcester are also looking to bounce back from consecutive league defeats against table-topping Fylde and Stockport County.

They will be hoping striker Mike Symons has recovered from the back spasm which kept him out at both Fylde and Stockport to return to lead the line.

But Heeley will be forced into a midfield change with captain Ellis Deeney serving the first of a three-game ban following his red card against Lowestoft Town earlier this month.

With Connor Gater also struggling with an ankle injury, Nick Wright could be restored to the starting line-up.

Rugby, 13th in their league, have so far beaten Chasetown and Westfields to reach this stage.