Willenhall boss Mel Eves is refusing to press the panic button over his side’s limited firepower - despite being left with only one available striker this week.
Eves was missing five forwards for Wednesday’s Birmingham Senior Cup clash with Walsall due to injury and unavailability.
Tyrone Barnett (back), Ben Stoner (knee) and Stuart Skitt (ankle) were all ruled out, while John Williams was cup tied and Craig Gregg unavailable, leaving teenager Justin Nesbitt as the only recognised forward.
That meant assistant manager Joe O’Connor had to dust off his boots to fill a place on the bench, although Eves, at the age of 51, wasn’t tempted to roll back the years himself.
Williams and Gregg were both set to return for this afternoon’s FA Trophy trip to Belper Town, while Eves is hoping an immediate dip into the transfer market can be avoided by his injured trio climbing off the physio’s couch.
“I’m hoping Tyrone, Ben and Stuart will all be back in a week or so,” said Eves.
“And having John and Craig back today was a boost and gave us a few more options.
“Of course, we’re always on the look out for players and if someone becomes available then we will try to get them in.
“But we’re not pressing the panic button about it, it was just one of those things.”
Eves took his side to Derbyshire today still searching for their first away win of the season.
The Lockmen’s form on the road has been their Achilles heel so far this season, going into the Trophy clash having lose every match they’ve played away from Noose Lane.
But Eves insists Willenhall’s travel sickness is not causing him sleepness nights and believes it won’t be long before he finds the antidote.
“I’m not concerned about our away form because I know what the problems are,” said Eves.
“If I was having to scratch my head about what was happening and didn’t understand what the problem was, then I’d worry.”
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