Eastleigh captain Russell Smith says he is unable to lead his regular first team out for one of the club’s biggest games of the season tomorrow.

The Bishopstoke Road side are at home to Ellingham & Ringwood, who sit one place above them in London 3 South-West’s third spot.

A five-point victory could leapfrog Eastleigh over their opponents and give them revenge for defeat at Parsonage Barn Lane in September.

However, Eastleigh suffered a string of injuries in their brave battle at leaders Farnham last week and, according to Smith, have several key players unavailable.

He said: “It’s going to be an interesting day because third place is up for grabs.

“Sadly we are not going to be fielding a team anything like the one we took to Farnham. This is the one game the club really wanted to push for but it’s proving difficult for the coaches to be able to make a selection.”

Eastleigh could have been nine points adrift of tomorrow’s opponents but the Es were docked five points this season for an infringement towards the end of the last campaign.

The Es have lost just twice so far this term as they look to make up that deficit, to the sides currently holding first and second place.

New Milton & District – newcomers to the league and now second from bottom – cross The Solent to tackle Sandown & Shanklin as they try to hold on to the shirt tails of Camberley who are at home to leaders Farnham.