Maidstone v Canvey Island

MAIDSTONE’S joint-managers Lloyd Hume and Alan Walker were handed a major selection headache on Wednesday when Gillingham recalled prolific striker Luis Cumbers from his loan spell.

Cumbers scored 11 goals in 14 appearances for the Stones, including one as a sub on his debut against Tonbridge.

Hume admitted Maidstone were in a Catch 22 situation, as Cumbers’ outstanding form was always likely to prompt a recall.

He said: “He’ll be sorely missed. He did very, very well for us."

In the short-term Maidstone have a major headache, with only 12 fit senior players available for Saturday’s FA Trophy third qualifying round tie at home to Canvey Island.

Hume said: “Lynden Rowland’s still suffering with his knee and Ben Lewis is getting through games on a combination of pain-killers and a desire to do well for us.

“Lee Shearer is back and hopefully Errison Ahwan will be fit but Rob Owen’s out for three weeks with a hamstring so we’ll be drafting in some of the reserves."

Alex Tiesse is on loan at Leatherhead leaving the Stones with Mo Takaloo and Andy Martin as their only fit strikers.

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