Sholing manager Dave Diaper will have his side “fired up” for today’s Southern League South West One derby showdown with AFC Totton – but insists his side must be more “clinical” in front of goal.

Diaper’s injury-struck outfit will be nowhere near full strength for the tasty Stags clash (3pm).

“I would have ideally had a complete team,” said Diaper. “I’ve not known as season like this where we’ve had so many injuries.

“That makes things very difficult, there’s no continuity.

“When we were on the good run we had the same back four, the same midfield and the same up front.

“But we’ve been forced into changes and that’s not good for the team.

“I don’t know what Totton’s situation is but we’re not in a good place with injuries, which is obvious.

“The squad knows what this games means and I’m sure Steve Riley will have his side up for it.

“They’re always keenly contested and have been quite eventful. I remember them mainly with Stuart Ritchie, at their old ground I remember a lot of good games.

“I don’t think either side have won more than the other. Over the years it’s even.”

“Our guys are looking forward to it and they’ll be fired up for it and Steve will know how important it is to have his players fired up.”

Sholing’s injury crisis deepened further in the 1-0 defeat at Fleet Town last Saturday as Mike Byrne limped out. He remains injured for the Stags game.

FA Vase heroes Pete Castle and Marvin McLean remain long term injuries, with both expected to return at the end of January.

Defender Dan Miller, goalkeeper Rory Anderson and Sam Olaofe are also out as well as first choice stopper Matt Brown.

Diaper hopes experienced custodian Lee Webber will be available for action.

The boss has been left to rue missed chances in recent weeks, with the Boatmen suffering back-to-back defeats.

“It’s not that we’re not creating those chances, but we need to be far more clinical.”

Today is Sholing’s final match of a memorable year.

In May they lifted the FA Vase after winning the Sydenhams Premier Division crown.

But while Diaper will fondly remember those achievements, frustrations regarding ground-grading and over the planned developments at their Portsmouth Road base has slightly soured the successes.

“Of course it’s been great winning the Vase and the Wessex but its constantly frustrating dealing with complying with issues off field,” he said.

“All we want to do is push forward with the ground but we can’t because of things constantly getting in the way.”