Spennymoor will be without six players for their must-win game against Hereford in the Vanarama National League North on Saturday afternoon.

Injuries, suspensions and unavailability have all struck at the same time, which means that manager Jason Ainsley will be calling up some of the club’s youngsters for their first ever home game against Hereford – and one that they need to win in order to stay firmly in lay off contention.

Moors have failed to win any of their last five matches, a run that has seen them drop out of automatic promotion contention and into the thick of the fight for the play off places. They are now in fourth place, two points behind Brackley in third and eight ahead of Kidderminster, who are in eighth.

Midfielder Rob Ramshaw and defender Scott Harrison are both suspended, midfielder Shane Henry is unavailable, defender Stephen Brogan is ill and strikers Mark Anderson and Andy Johnson are both injured. On top of those six, winger Shaun Tuton has gone to league leaders Chorley on loan for the rest of the season.

On the other side of the coin, on loan midfielders Lewis Hawkins and Jack Diamond both impressed on their debuts last week and will start the game, while youngster Lewis King has been recalled from Ryhope CW.

Manager Jason Ainsley said; “This will be a chance for some of the lads who have been on the bench to stake a claim in the side, and some of our young players will be included in the squad.

“I could have gone out and signed players for this game, but what would have been the point? Four of the players that are missing will be back for Tuesday’s home game.

“Just like all the others over the rest of the season, this is a must-win game – we have seven cup finals to go. In the same way that we didn’t get carried away when we won seven games in a row not long ago, we’re not getting too carried away by this run without a win.

“We are aiming to finish this season as high up the league as possible, so it’s important to pick up points at home over these next two matches.”

Moors had over 1,000 fans inside the Brewery Field last Saturday for the home game against Alfreton, and Ainsley is hoping for another big crowd to help them on their way.

“We need as many people as possible to get behind us and help us come out at the other end.

“Yes, we haven’t been at our best recently, but we have to remember that we’re still fourth in the league, and there are 18 clubs below us who would love to swap places.”

Moors won the reverse game by 3-0 at Edgar Street earlier in the season, and earlier this week, Hereford strengthened their squad by signing striker Rowan Liburd from Guiseley.

In the Evostik League Premier, South Shields have benefitted from the demise of North Ferriby’s record being expunged, and now they’re just one point off the top of the table behind Farsley.

They’re away to Marine, while Whitby are at Mickleover Sports.

In the EvoStik League East, league leaders Morpeth are at Carlton, while Marske United are at Stamford.