Sholing’s FA Vase hosts Reading Town are looking to make a frontline loan signing for tomorrow’s third round showdown.

Although Reading are level on points with table-topping Ardley in the Hellenic Premier, they have scored just 37 goals in 24 league games and have drawn a blank in their last three.

“Reading had been in good form until recently, but it looks like they could do with a Vase win to pull things round,” said Sholing boss Dave Diaper.

“They’re trying to bring in a proven scorer and I’m not too sure about that. “A loan player might get them through the tie, but is it the right thing to do? “I’d feel sorry for the guys who’ve got them this far. It’s a shame the rule has changed from the days when you couldn’t sign players less than a week before.”

Unbeaten Sydenhams Premier leaders Sholing have no such problems, having banged in 51 goals in 16 league games.

Diaper, though, knows the Boatmen must ward against complacency. “We need to be really up for it,” he stressed. “I’ve told our lads there’s no second bite of the cherry. It’s important we play the way we can.”

Dan Miller (broken wrist) and Marc Diaper (ankle) are out and Sholing await news of skipper Byron Mason who was ill in midweek.