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Stones injury-list grows

Lloyd Hume says his depleted side can still progress
Lloyd Hume says his depleted side can still progress

AFC Hornchurch v Maidstone United

Maidstone United have growing injury problems ahead of their FA Trophy First Qualifying Round replay at AFC Hornchurch on Tuesday night.

The Stones travel to Essex after Saturday's tie at Bourne Park ended 1-1 knowing victory would book a 2nd Qualifying Round tie at Swindon Supermarine on Saturday, November 1.

United have been plagued by injuries in the run-up to Saturday's huge FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round clash with AFC Wimbledon and a replay was really the last thing they needed.

Ian Selley, Meshach Nugent and Roland Edge will miss the replay but are rated as 50-50 to be back for Saturday.

Ian Cox (calf strain) and Ben Lewis (back) are out of Tuesday's game but are expected to line-up against the Dons while Kevin Watson should be back in time for Saturday, even if he is not fit to play in Essex.

James Peacock, Aaron Lacy, Seb Schoburgh and Craig Thompson are all likely to start with James Pinnock and Lloyd Blackman given the nod up front.

Ashley Ulph could continue in defence after being promoted from the reserves on Saturday while former Gillingham and Welling midfield man Neil Smith is set to get another run-out, this time as a centre back after his hastily-arranged arrival from Grays.

If Watson cannot feature then Smith could be partnered by Jay Saunders in the heart of defence.

Keelan Mooney is likely to feature in the squad after completing 90 minutes for the reserves on Saturday.

Stones joint-boss Lloyd Hume said: "We wanted a result on Saturday and for the last 20 minutes we threw the kitchen sink at them and tried to force the issue.

"Obviously a replay is not what either team wanted - Hornchurch have a got an FA Cup game as big as ours against Weymouth.

"We will be playing the strongest side we can but we will not take any stupid risks. I have faith that players can come in and do the job."

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