A fresh injury crisis threatens to derail AFC Telford United’s Wembley dream – with just one fit striker available for Saturday’s high noon FA Trophy showdown with Kettering.

The Bucks will go into the last 16 tie at the A-Line Arena without Terry Fearns (groin) and Andy Brown (Achilles), while Matty Lewis is nowhere near full match fitness as he continues his return from a broken leg.

That leaves Danny Carey-Bertram as the only forward in peak condition for the tie at Blue Square Premier outfit.

Danny Edwards and Phil Trainer are also both cup-tied, and boss Rob Smith’s problems are further complicated by knocks to Liam Blakeman and Jon Adams – though he hopes the midfield duo will be fit enough to feature.

“We really are short of numbers, especially up front,” he admitted. “That’s an area where we’re struggling and it’s not ideal going into a game against a side like Kettering and in such a big cup competition.

“We’ll be prepared and we’ll give it a good go – this is the last 16 of the Trophy after all.

“We’re going into the lion’s den but that’s what we’re in the game for and we certainly won’t be shrinking violets.

“The ideal situation is that we can sneak a win and come out without any new injuries, but we know it’s a long shot with things as they are.”

Smith has ruled out the possibility of bringing in reinforcements ahead of Saturday’s clash with the Poppies.

But he also insists no-one will be leaving the New Bucks Head before the transfer window for clubs in the Blue Square Premier and above closes at 5pm on Monday.

By CHRIS HUDSON