EXPERIENCED striker Lee Hughes reckons Worcester City can build on their encouraging opening-day draw against Harrogate Town in Vanarama National League North.

The former Premier League striker says City must “believe a bit more” when they travel to Tamworth tomorrow (7.45pm) for their first away game.

Hughes grabbed both of City’s goals in Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Harrogate at Bromsgrove’s Victoria Ground.

“The lads played well in spells and we have to believe a bit more in ourselves,” said the 40-year-old.

“We gave away two sloppy goals but it was just one of those things. We got a point out of the game and hopefully we will build on that now.

“We would have been happy with a point because Harrogate have a massive budget and pay a lot of money to their players.

“They were in the play-offs last season and we did well against them.”

Hughes opened his account for the new campaign from the penalty spot after his driven cross struck the hand of Lewis Turner, who was in close attention.

Harrogate’s players and management team felt the decision from referee Declan Bourne was harsh but Hughes insisted it was fair.

“I put the ball in with my right foot and the player’s hands were next to him,” said Hughes.

“He then stretched out his hand and it stopped the ball going into the box. It was a definite penalty.”

Hughes also showed bravery to head home his second goal soon after the restart from Joe Fitzpatrick’s cross and took a knock for his efforts.

“The ball bounced up and I thought I would get my head to it,” he recalled.

“I saw a Harrogate player’s boot coming towards me and he volleyed me in the head. But I had to go for the ball and I was pleased to get on the end of it.”

The former West Brom and Kidderminster Harriers marksman also offered sympathy to young City striker Colby Bishop, who missed a late chance after being sent clear.

Hughes added: “If you hit it first time you have more of a chance to score but I have been in that situation many times before.

“You can have too much time to think about too many things and it becomes harder to score.”