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Search forVase takes pressure off Seasiders
Friday, November 14, 2008, 09:37
They've struck lucky insofar as the tie is at home to Premier Division rivals Street from the Toolstation Western League.
But joint player-managers Adam Shearer and Antony Lynch are aware that the Seasiders' form must improve on the evidence of their last three league games in which they were left with only a point from a possible nine.
That was from a 4-4 draw at Ilfracombe having trailed 4-2 with 20 minutes remaining, while there were defeats either side of that when Dawlish lost at Hallen and again last Saturday when they entertained Bristol Manor Farm.
The Sandy Lane club also lost their position as league leaders with that Manor Farm setback, so the emphasis in training this week was geared to irning out the problems that have crept into their game.
The major injury doubt surrounds goalkeeper Martin Horsell, who landed awkwardly while claiming the ball against Manor Farm and injured the knee that had kept him out of the previous two three games. Horsell will have a fitness test prior to the game, but Jason Kinsman is on standby to once again deputise.
The feeling is that Dawlish may need to sign another experienced custodian, if not in time to be eligible for tomorrow, then certainly before they resume their league programme.
Top of the target list is understood to be Totnes-based former Torquay United and Hereford United goalkeeper Ken Griffiths, who left Western League Bideford recently and has spent the last two weekends playing in Division One (East) of the Carlsberg South West Peninsula League with Totnes & Dartington Sports Club.
The Seasiders have also signed former Buckland defender Mark Harding from Clyst Rovers, and he goes straight into the FA Vase squad.
But Vase-tied teenager Matt Micklewright misses out, as does the unavailable Sean Rooney, while Craig Fenner will also face a late fitness test.
Squad: Horsell (or Kinsman), Wannell, Stevens, Spence, Harris, Harding, C Fenner, Laughton, Shearer, Fisher, Vicary, Lynch, Bushin, L Fenner.
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