Injuries to key defenders gives opportunities to others

MAIDSTONE UNITED are missing two central defenders for tomorrow night’s FA Carlsberg Trophy replay at AFC Hornchurch.

Ian Cox picked up a calf strain at the weekend, which means he will have to sit out the trip to Bridge Avenue, whilst Ben Lewis will also sit out the match with back problems.

Roland Edge is also 50-50 for the game, so it’s likely that there will be another chance for the fringe players to come in.

Keelan Mooney successfully completed 90 minutes for the reserves at the weekend, so looks set to be in the squad, together with James Peacock.

Meanwhile, new signing, Neil Smith, who was recently released by Blue Square Premier club, Grays Athletic, where he was coach, and the former Welling United player-manager, looks set to fill in at centre-half in the absence of Cox.

“I think the pitch is beginning to take it’s toll on some of the players because the lack of rain has left the pitch very hard,” explained Stones’ joint-boss, Alan Walker, when speaking to www.maidstoneunited.co.uk.

“Usually at this time of the season, players have already switched to studs, but many of the players are still playing with rubber studs and for those prone to injury, a hard pitch doesn’t help.

“However, despite the injuries, we still feel we have a good chance on Tuesday and it will also be an opportunity for some of the fringe players to stake a claim for Saturday’s match.”

Walker is referring to their FA Cup Fourth and final qualifying round showdown against AFC Wimbledon at Bourne Park, but a win to book a FA Trophy Second Qualifying Round trip to highflying British Gas Business Premier League side, Swindon Supermarine, is on the agenda first.

Article courtesy of www.maidstoneunited.co.uk

www.kentishfootball.co.uk will be covering Maidstone United’s games against AFC Hornchurch and AFC Wimbledon this week.

AFC Hornchurch v Maidstone United
FA Carlsberg Trophy First Qualifying Round Replay
Tuesday 21^st October 2008
Kick Off 7:45pm
At The Stadium, Bridge Avenue, Upminster, Essex RM14 2LX