Horsham v Maidstone

ALAN Walker has warned his Maidstone squad to expect an FA Cup hangover backlash when they travel to Horsham on Saturday.

The Sussex side reached the second round of the prestigious competition, taking League 1 Swansea to a replay before succumbing, but were humbled 4-1 by struggling Folkestone on their return to Ryman League, Premier Division action last Saturday.

However, Walker expects them to be firing on all cylinders come this weekend.

He said: "To be honest, I would have liked to have played them last week, following the euphoria of the FA Cup run.

"That Folkestone result is probably the kick up the backside they needed to get back on track. They are a very good side and we need to be ready."

Maidstone's injury crisis is showing some signs of improving, but the Horsham fixture is too soon for most of the club's recent absentees.

Lee Shearer has an outside chance of making the trip to Sussex, but Ben Lewis and Sam Tydeman will not be available - at the earliest - until the Boxing Day clash with East Thurrock.

Nathan Paul's shin injury is not as bad as first feared, and he too could be ready by Boxing Day. Nick Hegley is unavailable for Saturday due to a family wedding, and Ray Freeman will deputise.