'It's amazing' - Hughes makes long-awaited Worksop start after injury woes

Hughes started the season in fine form for the Tigers, scoring 15 goals in his first 13 matches in all competitions.

However, an ankle injury sidelined Hughes for a number of weeks, and Saturday was just his first start since mid-November.

Having built his way back to fitness, the Worksop frontman was pleased to take the next major step on his road to recovery.

"It’s amazing to complete 90 minutes," he said.

"That’s the positive from myself, in completing the game without any flare-ups or niggles.

"It would have been nice to come back with a goal, but it wasn’t to be.

“It was good to be back out there and helping the team - it has been a frustrating season to say the least with the injury.

“It was probably the gaffer and the staff holding me back when I was telling them I wanted to play, but they have done right by that in looking after me, and the physios have been excellent with me."

It is hoped that the return of Hughes will help aid the Tigers' push for the Northern Premier League play-offs.

Having only secured promotion from the Pitching In NPL East Division last season, Craig Parry's side find themselves sixth in the league table - a point adrift of Macclesfield, who currently occupy the final play-off spot.

Saturday's goalless draw at Matlock saw Hughes partnered in attack by Jordan Burrow, who only joined the club in December.

The Tigers frontman admits he is excited to see how the relationship develops with the former Buxton forward as the season nears its conclusion.

“He’s amazing,” Hughes added. “He’s a bundle of energy, he’s a handful, he’s got more strings to his bow.

“He’s a real team player and I really enjoyed playing with him. We were talking throughout the game [against Matlock] and again, on another day, we both walk off the pitch with a goal each.

"That wasn’t to be, but I feel like we can develop that relationship now and gain that understanding where we can string a few games together.

“Hopefully, we can then add goals to our partnership.”

Photo credit: Darren Murphy