THIRD-placed Evesham United have suffered a major blow ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Wimborne Town with top scorer Lance Smith ruled out through injury (3pm).

The in-form striker increased his goal tally to 17 on Tuesday as he netted twice in the Robins’ 4-2 victory over Bishops Cleeve in Southern League Division One South and West.

But manager Paul Collicutt admitted the win came at a cost as Smith sustained a foot injury and captain Linden Dovey picked up a groin problem.

“Lance had to go to A&E on Wednesday as the physio thought he had broken his foot,” Collicutt said.

“But the X-rays have shown it’s not broken, just badly bruised.

"There is a lot of swelling so he won’t be fit for tomorrow and probably Tuesday (at home to Wantage Town).”

Collicutt said Smith’s omission has “opened the door” for Mark Magee to play alongside Adam Mann.

Carl Brown has also been recalled as Jordan Bryan looks set to miss the game due to work commitments.

Elliot Kennedy and Sam Pearson remain sidelined through injury, while Ashley Williams is suspended.

Evesham bid to secure a ninth successive league win but Collicutt believes his side will be in for a “hard game” at eighth-placed Wimborne, who have lost just once at home.

“They have beaten some of the top sides at their place, so we have really got to get ourselves up for it,” he added.