STRIKER James Lemon is out to grab his second chance at Worcester City and follow in the footsteps of legendary hitman Mark Owen.

The 23-year-old striker, a product of City’s academy, scored a debut goal in a 4-0 FA Cup win over Coventry Sphinx on his 18th birthday in October 2013.

Five years on and a whopping goal ratio of 24 goals in 20 matches for Droitwich Spa has seen City offer Lemon a shot at playing two levels higher and a return to the club where his talent emerged.

“It came out of the blue to be honest,” said Lemon.

“I have been playing at Droitwich and scoring a few goals. It is good to be back, I have already seen a few familiar faces.

“It is unfinished business for me in a way. Unfortunately things did not work out a few years ago but I am back with more maturity and experience.

“Goals are everything for a striker and Worcester needs to be promoted, we will have to see whether that happens this season but the first thing will be getting as many minutes and goals as possible under my belt to prove myself in a way.

“I am looking forward to getting started again and hope to be a success.”

Having agreed dual registration terms with City, Lemon had been due to debut in a reversed Midland Football League Cup third-round tie at Studley tomorrow (Tuesday, 7.45).

But with Spa’s match at Wrens Nest postponed he was drafted in for Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Wolverhampton Sporting Community, playing the final 32 minutes.

Whether or not that would have been his Droitwich swansong remains to be seen but Lemon admits he has a lot to thank Owen for.

“I have a lot of emotional ties with Droitwich, they helped me find my love for football again,” added Lemon.

“At the same time, everyone wants to play as high as possible and Worcester is a great club. I would love to establish myself here and score plenty of goals but we will see how it goes.

“I have played for Mark for a number of years and he has always wanted the best for me.

“Deep down I know he would want me to play as high as I can. If I do part ways (with Droitwich) it would be sad but Mark has been brilliant and really helped my career.

“The biggest thing he taught me is to believe in myself. As a striker you have to feel confident you will put the ball in the back of the net, if you have doubts you won’t score.

“That has been massive for me, as well as the little things like movement. He had a fantastic record in his career.”

Along with Lemon, Mason Birch and Liam Lockett could be among those to start at Studley.

“We will be looking to get minutes into boys who have not played as much as they might have wanted to lately,” said City’s assistant manager Ashley Vincent.