GRAVESEND & Northfleet face the bizarre predicament of going into their Nationwide Conference game at Nuneaton Borough on Saturday with less than 10 outfield players to select.

Manager Andy Ford has seen his squad so ravaged by injury and suspension, particularly in defence, that he is desperately trying to bring in three players.

He said: “We’ve been up against it in recent weeks. Most teams would struggle but it’s been even more difficult for us to get a team out on the pitch.

“At the moment I’ve got 19 contracted players - three are suspended, five are injured and of the remaining 11, two are goalkeepers. It's hardly ideal.”

Nick Burton, Matt Lee and Aaron Barnett miss the Nuneaton trip through suspension while Francis Duku (ankle), Robert Owen (hamstring), Paul Sturgess (knee), Steve McKimm (pneumonia) and Liam Hatch (knee) are unavailable. Top scorer Che Stadhart is also doubtful with a groin strain.