Stone: Reds running out of players

Stone faces going into the game with a squad of just 13 players because of injury and work commitments.

The relegation-battling Reds picked up a point in their first home game for nearly five months on Saturday – a 2-2 draw against Brockenhurst.

They were denied a win by a last-minute goal as tired legs finally took its toll.

‘I am trying to get some army players in but have to wait until after their inter-services tournament is over,’ said Stone.

‘At the moment we are having to grit our teeth and get on with it.

‘I am running out of players, though.’

AFC Portchester are keen to get back to winning ways as they face Folland Sports at Wicor Rec.

The Royals suffered a 3-0 defeat at Sholing on Saturday and manager Graham Rix believes it’s crucial that they get their promotion bid back on track.

‘It is important to go out and win this game and start to go on another run,’ said Rix.

‘I am looking for us to bounce back straight away after Saturday.

‘We will need to be more ruthless in both penalty areas.’

Defender Craig Hardy is unavailable, while Steve Ramsey and Alex Lowley remain injury doubts.

Central-defender Josh Warren is another doubt due to illness.

Horndean are relishing the chance to take on league leaders Salisbury FC at Five Heads Park.

Manager Craig Pearce believes it is a good time to be playing the Wiltshire side.

‘They have their big FA Vase semi-final game at the weekend,’ said Pearce.

‘That might be a distraction and they might not fancy our difficult wet and heavy pitch.

‘There is no pressure on us because we are not expected to beat them.’

Centre-back Matt Burt is ruled out after a recurrence of his ankle injury.

Moneyfields are without Lewis Martin and Nathan Paxton for their trip to Lymington Town.

Martin has a heel problem and Paxton is away on holiday.

‘I am hoping that we will be a bit fresher after a three-day break,’ said manager Dave Carter.

In the Ryman League premier division, Bognor entertain Horsham with places at stake for their FA Trophy semi-final game at Grimsby on Saturday.