HARWICH and Parkeston boss Matt Carmichael believes his depleted squad will rise to the challenge in tomorrow’s showdown against title rivals Tollesbury.

The Shrimpers have a string of key players missing for the Kent Blaxill Essex and Suffolk Border League premier division contest at Shrub End.

Daryl Eagle, Martin Calver and Joss Neale are all unavailable while full-back Danny Claxton is still sidelined due to illness.

The quartet will be a major loss – but Carmichael is confident he has the squad to cope, especially having just signed Jimmy Webb, from Stanway Rovers, and welcomed back Tom Brannon.

“We’re missing a few but we’ll have to deal with it,” said Carmichael, whose side won 3-0 at Alresford Colne Rangers on Saturday and then went back to the top of the table – leapfrogging Tollesbury – by sinking Great Bentley 4-0 on Tuesday night.

“That’s what we’ve got a squad for and that’s why we’ve got the players we’ve got.

“The players coming in to replace them are just as good, so I’m not overly worried."

For the full story and match reports, see this week's Standard.