LEADING marksman Lance Smith looks set to miss Evesham United’s clash with fellow play-off hopefuls Taunton Town at the Jubilee Stadium tomorrow (3pm).

Smith has bagged 26 goals this term but could be sidelined with an ankle problem for “a week or two”, according to boss Paul Collicutt.

Midfield duo Ashley Williams and Carl Brown are both unavailable due to weddings.

Fifth-placed Evesham are preparing for a physical challenge from second-placed Taunton in Southern League Division One South and West.

Smith was hurt in the dying minutes of Evesham’s 1-1 midweek draw against Swindon Supermarine.

“What happened to Lance in midweek was the story of our season,” bemoaned boss Collicutt.

“He came off the bench with 25 minutes to go and took a big kick on his ankle in the last minute. It was the last thing we needed and he could be out for a week or two with a bad ankle.”

Taunton’s 13-goal Owen Irish misses the match through suspension after being sent off in the Peacocks’ 3-0 loss at Larkhall Athletic last weekend.

Doubts remain over the fitness of 26-goal striker Matt Wright (neck), while Jordan Rogers, who has scored 27 times, completes a two-match ban.

Collicutt said: “This is the biggest home game of our season so far.

“Taunton have only lost two of their last 25 games and are a very strong team.

“They also had a very good FA Cup run and we must be strong because they are a physical side."

Evesham have a five-point cushion over sixth-placed Supermarine but face a tough run-in.

“It should be a good game but I am sure there will be a lot of twists and turns over the last six games," said Collicutt.

“We play third-placed Tiverton next Saturday, Mangotsfield, leaders Hereford and Bideford before travelling to AFC Totton on the final day."

He added: "We have to get something from tomorrow.”