Moneyfields boss weighing up attacking options for crucial Southern League trip to fellow strugglers Basingstoke

Sam Pearce could play up front for Moneyfields at Basingstoke with top scorer Steve Hutchings suspended. Picture: Ian Hargreaves

The game is being played at Winchester City where Basingstoke have a ground-sharing arrangement.

Experienced striker Steve Hutchings - the club’s leading marksman with 16 goals in only 18 league and cup matches - starting a two-match ban after being sent off for dissent at Cirencester Town.

This means Carter is forced to reshuffle up front and is considering a number of options.

'Having our leading goalscorer out is a big loss,' said Carter.

'I am mulling over a number of different changes I can make.

'Because Brett Poate is available to return in defence, one option is to move Sam Pearce up front.

'He has done it before and gives us a physical presence.

'Added to that, he is good in the air and effective at set-pieces.

'Another possibility is promoting reserve team striker Dan Penfold who has shown great form recently.’

He certainly has - his four goals in the 10-0 Hampshire Premier League win at AFC Petersfield at the weekend took his seasonal tally to 28 in all competitions.

But Carter admits it is a ‘huge step up’ from the HPL second tier to the Southern League - four divisions higher, in fact.

Other options include Lamin Jatta, Illy Worshow and Joe Briggs.

Worshow has looked lively in two league run-outs off the bench after signing from Wessex Leaguers Andover New Street, and scored a hat-trick for the reserves at AFC Petersfield.

Carter is hoping that experienced midfielder Lewis Fennemore will be fit to return after suffering back problems.

Playing just behind the front players, Fennemore provides an additional attacking threat.

'Brett and Lewis are both big players for us,' said Carter.

'This is a big game for both teams.

'They are second from bottom and if we win it will put a bit of daylight between us and them.

'We are playing well enough and have only lost once in our last seven games.

'This is a game we must look to get something on.'

Moneyfields' game against Bristol Manor Farm last Saturday fell victim to the weather, but Carter believes that will prove beneficial.

'Some of my players looked a little leggy against Mangotsfield the previous Tuesday,' said Carter.

'The break will help and hopefully we can come back refreshed.'

Moneyfields are third from bottom, one place and seven points ahead of Basingstoke.

Town have won two and lost six of their last eight league games - the two wins coming against other clubs in the bottom five, Mangotsfield and Barnstaple.