A MOMENT of madness has cost striker James Constable his chance of getting one over rivals Swindon Town in tomorrow's (Tuesday, 7.45pm) FA Cup first round replay at the County Ground.

Along with Reda Johnson and Jason Taylor, Constable was walking a disciplinary tightrope of four bookings prior to Saturday’s 1-1 home draw with York City in the National League.

But despite manager Ronnie Moore’s warning the trio to tread carefully, the combative No9 picked up another yellow to trigger a one-match ban.

With veteran marksman Jamie Cureton cup-tied, it leaves Moore to choose from a trio of frontrunners - Ryan Bird, fit-again Scott Wilson and Mikael Mandron, who headed Eastleigh in front against Swindon at the Silverlake before Michael Doughty’s penalty rescued the League One visitors.

Constable has a fractious relationship with Swindon fans having turned down the chance to join the Robins when he played for their great rivals Oxford United.

He, more than anyone, would have relished the chance to spring a Cup upset.

“It’s a nightmare for Constable. This is one he was looking forward to,” said Moore.

“Now he’s got to ask himself why he did something so stupid as to pull the (York) lad back on halfway line.

“It’s a crazy thing to do when you’re on four yellows and about to come up against a team you like to play against. Now he pays the consequences. And if whoever comes in for him tonight plays well, he stays in.”

Constable is one of a long list of Eastleigh players who won’t feature at Swindon.

Derby loan winger Alefe Santos is ineligible for this round and new signing Ross Stearn has already played in the Cup for Sutton United.

Jai Reason will likely start in place of injured wideman Jake Howells (knee) and the Spitfires are also without captain Ryan Cresswell, who is seeing a specialist in Sheffield today.

“Cress has tweaked his knee cartilage and is going to see the surgeon who did a cartilage op on him a long time ago.” explained the boss.

With Adam Dugdale also injured, Connor Essam will again partner Reda Johnson in central defence.

While Eastleigh were frittering away chances against York, Swindon were boosted by a 3-0 win over Charlton.

“They got a great result and we didn’t get the result we deserved,” said Moore.

“I’m not critical of how the team played, we just weren’t lethal enough and you can’t always blame the strikers because there's set-plays as well.

“Chances are going to be few and far between tonight I'd have thought, so we have to take them.

“It's a ‘pressure off’ game on a fantastic pitch, we’re taking 11 coachloads of supporters and we need to perform for them.

“As long as we do that, I won’t complain. Just make sure we come away without regrets.

“The next tie (home to Dagenham & Redbridge/FC Halifax Town) is one Swindon will think they can win and we’re in the same boat.”