Ebbsfleet v Stalybridge

Ebbsfleet United continue the defence of the FA Trophy with Saturday's visit of Stalybridge Celtic as manager Liam Daish contemplates overhauling his squad.

Survivors of the side that beat Torquay to win the Trophy at Wembley on May 10 could make way for up to four new signings as Daish seeks to rejuvenate his squad in the January transfer window.

"If I get permission from the board then I would like to make three or four signings in one hit," said Daish who admits his patience with certain of his players is wearing thin.

"We've been knocked back three times in our enquiries for a central defender but I will persist.

"I need 11 players who are going to perform week in week out so I'm looking at all areas."

Daish is hoping that long-term injury casualty Darius Charles will be fit to resume against Stalybridge but skipper Paul McCarthy remains out of contention as the club await reaction to an injection for a thigh injury.

"People ask me how long Darius has been out for and I reply too long," said Daish. "He's a big player for us and we urgently need him back."

Central defender Dean Pooley resumes after breaking his nose but a knee injury keeps James Smith out.

Seven years have elapsed since the clubs last met in the fifth round of the competition when the Cheshire side won 2-0 before going out to eventuial winners Stevenage in the quarter-finals.

Relegated from the Conference in 2002, Stalybridge occupy sixth place in Blue Square North.