The loss of Scott Ramsay, Nathan Crabb, Matt Smart, Allan Tait, Robbie Kember and Marc Pullan has left Boro desperately short of cover at the worst possible time as they bid to get their title challenge back on track.

Boss Garry Wilson was forced to act swiftly, drafting in Bywater and Crabb plus the highly-rated Ross Treleaven, Wes Tate and Wayne Clarke from newly crowned County League champions Crowborough, moments before the transfer deadline.

The crippling injury and suspension crisis has hit as Boro enter their final five games. Just a fortnight ago Wilson's men were four points clear with a fully-fit squad.

A dramatic twist has left Boro a point adrift having played a game more than Blue Square South leaders Lewes.

The dismissals of Ben Austin and leading scorer Andy Atkin against Weston-Super-Mare last Saturday added to their misery. Austin now misses the home clash with Bath City with Atkin sitting out of the last three games of the season (excluding play-offs).

Wilson and Nick Greenwood will call upon their vast experience and tactical nous as they attempt to re-shuffle their unfamiliar and inexperienced squad for tricky away trips to Thurrock and Weston Super Mare (Monday).

The Boro boss lamented, "It really could not have happened at a worse time and it has hit us very hard.

"I can do things about the sending-offs but I can't do anything about the injuries. We picked up seven injuries in one week and all this happened just before the transfer deadline.

"We will have to take it game by game but most of these injuries look long term. We have brought the five lads in but at this stage it's hard to say how much they will figure."

The three match suspension for violent conduct facing 27-goal striker Atkin represents a huge blow for Boro's title hopes. The burly frontman will miss the crunch matches with Bath City, Newport and Braintree.

Wilson added, "It was a silly one for big Andy and it does not help us. When you are the top striker in this league players are going to get about you. It's a huge learning curve for him and we are all paying the price for that."

With Atkin's suspension and Ramsay and Tait injured, Wilson is adamant he still has options up front which means no Priory Lane return for out-of-favour striker Danny Leach who remains on loan at Hastings.
He added, "We have Pat Harding who can play up top or Adam Wilde and Matt Crabb can play off the front man. We can play five across the middle or bring in young Evan (Archibald) who does well for us in training."

Neil Jenkins hopes to shake off the flu to play at Thurrock before his two- match suspension. Dominic Douglas and Evan Archibald are expected to travel after appearing as second half substitutes during Sports' Sussex Senior Cup 1-0 semi-final defeat against Crawley Town.

Keeper Lee Hook returns after Dean Lightwood's impressive cameo display in goal against Crawley.

Wilson added, "We have two tough games this weekend against Thurrock and Weston Super Mare. But I'm confident we can get six points from them."

Title rivals Lewes entertain play-off candidates Eastleigh tomorrow.