CRAIG Edwards is growing “increasingly frustrated” at the amount of injuries Billericay Town are sustaining, with three strikers out ahead of this weekend’s FA Cup encounter.

Rowan Liburd, Ricky Sappleton and Seedy Njie are all out of this weekend’s match against Hadleigh United – the current Eastern Counties Premier Division champions – with influential midfielder Callum Dunne and defender George Beavan also on the injury list.

And the Town boss says he may be forced to bring in a short-term replacement before today’s noon deadline.

“It is incredibly galling,” said Edwards, on the injuries. “Any team would struggle with all their strikers out and I may have to look to bring someone else in, although teams are less likely to want to do business on the eve of an FA Cup match.

“I hope I get some unexpected news ahead of the match on Saturday and we get one of the lads back, but I am not hopeful.”

Town were forced to play centre back Ryan Scott up front on Tuesday – in the 2-1 defeat to Bognor Regis Town – after their one fit striker Chris Benjamin was caught up in a traffic jam.

Benjamin is expected to be back tomorrow, and could play alongside new signing Nigel Neita. Liburd could be fit towards the end of the month, with Sappleton a week away from fitness. Njie may be back in time for Tuesday’s game at Bury Town.

And Edwards says his side need to be aware of their lower league opposition, to avoid a cup upset.

“I don’t know much about them. They have a very good record at their level so they are a decent side and whatever side I put out there will give their all to go through.”

Canvey Island are travelling to Hertford Town, who beat Great Wakering Rovers in the last round.

Danny Heale says Kevin Dobinson (knee) is the only doubt for the visit to the Spartan South Midlands League side, although he is expected to be fit.

l IN the Ryman North, Great Wakering Rovers will be hoping to add to their one league win so far this season on the road at Ware.

James Pugsley (hamstring), Billy Johnson (thigh) and Tom Ranger (ankle) are all still on the injury list although Billy Radley (calf) may be fit for tomorrow’s match.