Welton manager Al Taylors preparations for the forthcoming Premier league clash against FSC Victory have been further disrupted by three more players becoming ineligible for the match.
Defender Ross Taylor is unlikely to feature due to an ankle injury picked up last Sunday in the victory over Hunters Leap and midfielders Sam Gordon and Craig Wilkinson are ineligible because of work commitments and suspension. Midfielder Tom Wilkinson and striker Joe Drabble are the only players who are back in as replacements.
Wilkinson, Taylor and Gordon join other absentees Scott Coupland (holiday) Craig Cosgrove (holiday) and Simon Clifford (personal problems). Although the latter is expected to escape from under his girlfriends thumb in time to help out this week.
However, Taylor insists another depressing raft of call-offs from his squad will have no effect on how his side will play at Social Park on Sunday.
Taylor insists disruption will be kept to a minimum, saying:
"We have a squad of 12 and we will call in reserves that will be ready and raring to go.
"Our tactics would have been the same no matter who was in the squad.
"Personnel will be different but as far as our manner and style of play, that hasn't changed at all.
"You always keep your fingers crossed that all your key players will be available but sadly that is just not the case.”
"That's why it is so important to have a squad of players and play friendlies.
"Victory will be aware of our problems and will be looking for three points.
"We know how they are going to play, they have a structure that they haven't changed in two or three years.
"But we are looking to continue our solid start.
"The game lasts 90 minutes and we will be hard to beat."
Taylor has demanded a minimum of 40 points from his side during this years premier league campaign.
That puts pressure on his players to deliver at least four points from their opening two matches, which on paper represents one the most difficult of Welton’s 8 home fixtures.
Meanwhile, uncapped Reserve midfielder Alex Munn has described his potential maiden call-up to the senior Welton side as "a dream come true".
He said: "It's been a whirlwind last 6 months. I’ve been wasting my career at Trent Valley the last few seasons. So coming here is a bonus and to get a game would be an even bigger bonus."
Commenting on whether he has improved as a player since joining Welton just over 2 months ago, Munn added: "It's up to other people to judge. I think I have developed a lot at Social Park."
Welton starting X1 (probable)
GK Osiah
CB Dhindsa
CB Snookes
CB Carter
MF Stocks (C)
MF T Wilkinson
MF S Clifford
MF Clifford L
MF Sutton
CF Joe Drabble
CF James Drabble