Steve Brown faces a goalkeeping dilemma this weekend after Ebbsfleet won their appeal against Preston Edwards’ one-match suspension.

Edwards was sent off for handling outside his area at Hayes & Yeading on September 13 and was due to be banned for the FA Cup tie against Hythe on Saturday.

Fleet boss Brown left Edwards on the bench against Sutton last weekend and gave Brandon Hall his full league debut with the Hythe game in mind but now he has both goalkeepers available for selection.

When asked why he’d picked Hall on Saturday, Brown said: "We suggest you play for the shirt.

"Aiden Palmer's come out of the team this year and look at his performance on Saturday. That was the Aiden Palmer I know and that’s the Aiden Palmer that I saw last year, week in, week out. I didn’t get that at the start of the season.

"It’s not a criticism. Sometimes you’re doing them a favour by pulling them out of the firing line. They want to play every week, it doesn’t matter how they’re playing.

"In respect of Brandon, how patient has he been? Extremely patient. My thought process was that if Preston’s suspension was upheld, why shouldn’t Brandon play to get 90 minutes’ match practice?

"Brandon’s put himself in the shop window and I’ll make another decision (ahead of Saturday). He played so well at Hayes & Yeading last week that I felt he needed to go on again to build his confidence up.

"I’ve now got two keepers who are properly fighting for the No.1 spot."

Defender Lloyd Harrington and winger Alex Osborn are close to returning from their respective injuries, although Saturday may come too soon for both players. Fleet are waiting for the all-clear from Harrington’s knee specialist and Osborn’s hamstring is tight, but not torn.

However, midfielder Michael Corcoran has torn his groin and will be out for a while longer.