Hastings United face a goalkeeper crisis ahead of tonight’s big FA Cup second round replay with Harrogate Town.
First-choice keeper Matt Armstrong-Ford will undergo a late fitness test on the knee injury he picked up in the first tie a fortnight ago while back-up Joe Winchester is ruled out of the ESPN televised clash by a broken thumb.
George Howard, 18, who was drafted in as cover from Bromley and played last weekend against Concord Rangers is ineligible as he was not signed prior to the first game at Harrogate.
Player-boss Sean Ray said: “As it stands, we have no goalkeeper. Whatever happens, if Matt does play then he won’t take his own goal kicks.
“We’re waiting to hear from the FA as there must be a loophole where you can get an emergency goalkeeper. I will be quite angry if we can’t. I can understand it for outfield players but this is a specialised position.
“We have a 16 or 17 man squad of outfield players and the reserves so other positions are not a problem but I don’t know any club that can keep four goalkeepers happy at any one time. We are hoping to find a way around it but I am not holding out that much hope.”
Two-page Hastings United FA Cup special in The Argus today
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