WITH the injury count rising, Sholing will have a distinctly youthful element to their squad for tomorrow’s Southern One South & West derby at Bashley.

Nick Watts (jarred knee) and Tobi Adekunle (hamstring strain) are the latest in a long list of walking wounded for the Boatmen, who already have Mike Byrne and Sam Olaofe sidelined along with long-term casualties Matt Brown, Marvin McLean and Pete Castle.

Throw in the fact that defender Jack Smith launches into a three-match suspension, goalkeeper Lee Webber is currently away and midfielder Alex Sawyer will be unavailable for a week after the Bashley trip, and it’s no wonder manager Dave Diaper is having to dig deep into the club’s reserves, writes WENDY GEE.

“It’s not easy at the moment. With all the injuries, it’s a challenge just to get a team out,” he confessed. “But, at the same time, it’s nice to see young lads like Jess Walklin, who scored against Totton last week, getting a chance.

“The players have shown great character and it’s a good opportunity for some of the young ones to be bedded in.

“We’ll have Liam Golding and Josh Oxlade with us tomorrow and young goalkeeper Jordan Brookes will come along too. I’m not sure at the moment who will play in goal. Rory Anderson is coming, but he’s not kicked a ball for a couple of weeks.”

Another young name set to feature is Declan McCarthy, younger son of former Winchester City owner, Paul.

Now part of Havant & Waterlooville’s academy, the former AFC Bournemouth youth player has been getting a senior men’s grounding with Sydenhams Premier outfit Lymington Town.

“Paul (McCarthy) rang to ask if Declan could get an opportunity at this level and I spoke to (Lymington boss) John Pyatt about it,” said Diaper. “The lad wants an opportunity to play Southern League football. He’s meant to be very good technically, although he’s 17 and still developing.”

Sholing’s 2-1 win over Totton keeps them 17th in the table, 20 points clear of bottom club Bashley.

But despite all their troubles this season, the Foresters – now under the charge of Paul Morris – still had enough about them to bank a well-earned point from a 1-1 draw at Wimborne last weekend.

Bash boast two speedy wide men in Clive Makoni and Nuno Pereira and have recently boosted their ranks with gifted, young attacker Jack Hoey from Alresford Town and defender Matthew Dodd from Christchurch.

Sholing have already won twice on their travels to Bashley Road this season, triumphing 4-2 in the Red Insure Cup and 1-0 in the FA Trophy.

The new year continues apace for the Boatmen with two more away games at Didcot Town in the league on Saturday and at Southern Premier leaders Poole Town in the Red Insure Cup on Tuesday (January 6).