STAND-IN boss John Snape hopes "somebody can step up to the plate" for Worcester City's "tough" trip to Harrogate Town today (3pm).

The Blue and Whites have been rocked by the sudden departure of Lee Hughes who has joined relegation rivals AFC Telford United.

The 40-year-old has scored 14 times in 27 appearances this season and City have struggled for goals when he has been out of the team through injury or suspension.

But Snape insists his side have to move on without him as they attempt to end their 11-match winless streak in Vanarama National League North.

"It's a big blow, especially considering our current plight," said Snape whose team are three points and two places above the drop zone.

"But let's hope somebody can step up to the plate."

The onus is set fall on the shoulders of young striker Colby Bishop who has bagged eight goals this team.

Experienced frontman Steve Craig will remain on loan at Stafford Rangers.

But forward Jordan Murphy and loanee Dan Turner, who did not feature in City's 1-1 draw with Tamworth last Saturday, are expected to return.

"Jordan will come into contention and we have got Colby so we have got some options for what will be a very difficult game on an artificial pitch," Snape added.

Goalkeeper Ethan Ross missed training on Tuesday due to an ankle injury picked up in the later stages against Tamworth.

He is expected to play but winger Micah Evans, who has been struggling with a calf problem, will not be involved after signing for bottom-of-the-table Altrincham last night.

Defender Tom Sharpe, who has been ruled out for almost two months with a knee injury, could be in the frame after getting back on the pitch in midweek.

Snape also confirmed on-loan duo Kennedy Digie and Turner will play their "final games" before heading back to Kidderminster Harriers and Port Vale respectively.

Without a manager and their biggest threat in attack, City's chances of collecting a league win for the first since November 12 seem slim.

But Snape said he was impressed with the commitment and desire showed last weekend and believed that would be key again.

"It was definitely an improvement from the Gloucester game," he said.

"Last week I thought we started not quite on the button but we grew into the game and in the second half I don’t think anyone would have had any complaints if we had gone on and won the game.

"All in all it was a solid second-half performance and people have dug in and given their all and that will be the minimum requirement for today."