VIRUS victims Adam Webster and Nick Colley are facing a race to beat the germs ahead of tomorrow's FA Trophy showdown against Hayes.

In the build-up to Worcester City's first round clash at St George's Lane, a worrying break of influenza spread through the camp.

Midfielder Colley and top goalscorer Webster felt the effects more than most, although player-manager Andy Preece is not overly concerned as both contracted the winter bug early in the week and are expected to shake off their illness.

But while City's squad fights the 'flu, mid-week preparations suffered a knock-back with assistant boss Andy Morrison too poorly to take training.

Morrison missed last Saturday's 1-1 draw with Worksop Town after cracking a rib and picking up a blood infection in the muscle surrounding his heart.

He spent a couple of days in hospital recovering from the condition and Preece is uncertain whether his number two will make the touchline tomorrow.

"Jock has got to take it easy," said Preece. "He cracked a rib during weight training and didn't realise he did it.

"It's quite a serious condition and he needed to go to hospital. I've taken training this week, but I know Jock will want to be at the game on Saturday. We'll see how he is at the weekend."

Experienced defender Des Lyttle is also a doubt after having four stitches in a foot wound sustained in the Worksop clash.

Danny Hodnett stands by to replace Lyttle, while Preece is likely to start if Webster fails to make it.

Despite off-field complications, Preece is certain City can oust Nationwide South visitors Hayes and prompt another successful run to match their FA Cup exploits.

The Missioners battled their way into the first round with a 1-0 win at Braintree Town and head to Worcester for their seventh consecutive away fixture.

They crashed to a 2-1 defeat at Sutton United last Saturday before hitting back with a narrow mid-week victory over Harefield United in the Middlesex Senior Cup.

Preece is aware of Hayes' strengths and predicts a close game between the two sides, who came together for an FA Trophy second round tie in 1999/2000 with the Missioners winning 2-0. He added: "Hayes were unlucky to lose at Sutton. They are a strong team and similar to other teams in our own league.

"But it's all on the day. If we are ready, prepared and right, then we'll get through.

"It would be great to have a good run in the FA Trophy. It helps us financially and players and supporters enjoy it.

"So long as the FA Trophy does not affect our league form, or puts league games back as a result of getting through a couple of rounds, then that's fine.

"Our fixture list is looking worse and worse and we can do without any games being put back further."

A concern for Preece and Hayes manager Willy Wordsworth is the condition of the St George's Lane pitch, which is deteriorating in customary fashion following poor weather and over-use.

Meanwhile, City striker James Smith has joined Malvern Town on a temporary basis to get first-team football.