SHOLING goalkeeper Matt Brown has recovered from a broken finger and should report back for Southern One South & West duty at seventh-placed Yate Town tomorrow.

But Brown, hailed man-of-the-match in the Boatmen’s FA Vase triumph at Wembley last May, will not walk straight back in after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Rory Anderson, himself just back from a knee injury, will keep the gloves after pulling off two crucial saves in Tuesday’s penalty shoot-out triumph at Lymington Town in the Hampshire FA Senior Cup.

That could mean a seat on the bench for Brown who took part in the pre-match warm-up at Lymington – his first training session since the splint on his damaged digit was removed.

“Not so long ago we didn’t have any fit ’keepers, but now we’ve got three and they all have a part to play,” said manager Dave Diaper.

“Our goalkeeping coach Lee Webber has been a godsend while the other two have been out.

“Webbs is still a very good ’keeper at the ripe old age of 36, but he’s done his coaching badges and is quite heavily into that. He can’t commit to every game which was one of the reasons we had to get another goalie in.”

Both Anderson and Webber are dual-signed with Sydenhams Premier outfit Brockenhurst and, although Webber may help out the Badgers if they are short, Anderson is unlikely to add to the ten Wessex appearances he made for Pat McManus’s men before being recalled by Sholing.

“Both Rory and Matt will be with us now,” Diaper confirmed. “When possible I like to have a ’keeper on the line and there will probably be some sort of rotation between them.

“If Rory hadn’t got injured he’d be first choice now but, with all the injuries we’ve had, it’s not that straightforward.

“It’s up to both of them to fight for the place.”

With Brown, winger Marvin McLean (bunion) and centre-back Pete Castle (knee) all on the mend after long absences, Sholing are slowly edging back to full strength.

Diaper, though, is determined not to jeopardise their comebacks by rushing things.

“Marvin came off with about 20 minute to go the other night and Pete’s not quite there yet, he still aches a bit after each game,” said the boss. “I might change things round and, instead of Pete starting games, give him the last 20-30 minutes.”

Sam Olaofe is still sidelined with a hamstring tear, but fellow full-back Kane Crisp, injured falling downstairs three months ago, is keen to start training again.

Diaper has drawn a blank with signing midfielder Jamie Barron from Folland Sports and there is no progress yet on approaches for Michael Dixon (Andover Town), Ian Oliver (Wimborne Town) and Oakley Hanger (Dorchester Town).

The 17th-placed Boatmen, however, remain keen to strengthen early for next season and would be pleased to hear from any players wishing to join them.