VS Rugby are battling against a major injury crisis as they prepare for the long trip to Clevedon.

Manager Martin Sockett has seven players under intensive treatment and after a 4-1 defeat to Bedworth in the Birmingham Senior Cup, it has not been a good week for Sockett’s side.

Centre-half Kieren Sullivan (groin), striker Ian Scott (groin), midfielder Gary Smith (calf), midfielder Simon Mason (ribs), leading scorer Ashley Warner (hamstring) Richard Hamer (ankle) and Connor Hance (shin) are all doubtful.

But that’s not as bad as it might have been for Sockett. Striker Matt Owen missed Tuesday’s game while Danny Green, a recent signing from Nuneaton Borough, was unavailable along with Matt Kerr. They should all be available.

Sockett said:

"We almost called in some youth team players on Tuesday because things have got that bad but we just about got through. The main difference was that they finished their chances and we didn’t.

"I thought things would be better for the weekend but we picked up several knocks and I will have to sit down and work out who is available. It is certainly the worst run of injuries we have had for a long while.

"Clevedon are a good, good side. They are third in the league and, amazingly, have won all five matches away from home. That said, they have only lost one at their place and have the best defensive record in the league.

"It will be tough, but hopefully some of the lads coming in will see this as their chance to stake a claim and will rise to the occasion."