Pontefract joint boss Duncan Bray says his side are down to the bare bones for the Emirates FA Cup clash at Runcorn tomorrow
Pontefract Collieries have a few selection problems ahead of the Emirates FA Cup Preliminary Round tie at North West Counties giants Runcorn Linnets, admits Duncan Bray.
Several players are unable to make the journey over Cheshire to play for the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division side.
It means Pontefract are going to have to field a much-changed team from the one that beat Athersley Recreation on Wednesday.
“I found out on Wednesday that we have half a team missing because we have lads stuck with work commitments that they can’t get out of,” Bray told Non League Yorkshire.
“We’re going to have really re-shuffle the pack from the Athersley match. We have at least three or four enforced changes.
“It is going to be a difficult game regardless of the changes as they’re a really good side.
“It has happened to us in the last couple of years that when we have had a Vase or FA Cup game, we have turned up with three or four of our key players unavailable for things like family weddings.
“It is massively frustrating, but there is nothing we can do so there is no point moaning. We have to go there and show what we’re made of.”
Pontefract have the availability problems, despite three new signings this week in Brad Riley, Jack Mawson and cup-tied Max Leonard.
The Collieries now have quite a number of midfielders on the books, but Bray insists that having competition for places is good.
He said: “You say we have a big squad, but with those that are injured, missing and those that are cup-tied, we could be down to the bare bones on Saturday.
“I reckon if you look at how many players we have signed, we probably have the smallest squad in the league.
“We do have a few players in the midfield area, but if they’re committed then it will drive them on to improve.
“There is a couple of players that might start thinking that they’re guaranteed a shirt week-in-week-out.
“They might relax and that’s not healthy. Having competition and knowing someone is chomping at the bit to get your shirt means you are going to maintain your fitness and be determined every game.”