ALRESFORD Town striker Warren Bentley will miss tonight’s Sydenhams League Cup semi-final – and could be out for the season.

The Magpies hot-shot scored his 43rd goal of an incredible season on Saturday, but missed a penalty before limping off with a hamstring injury as Alresford’s 14-match winning streak ended with a 2-2 draw against Horndean.

Alresford co-manager Danny Robinson said: “It looks like Warren will be out tomorrow, he’s very doubtful and is probably out for six weeks – our physio will be earning her money trying to get him fit!”

Bentley has been a virtual ever-present for Alresford during the success they have enjoyed over the last two seasons, scoring 76 goals in 77 starts.

Robinson acknowledges that maintaining their title challenge and defending the Sydenhams League Cup without him will be a big test, but has confidence in his squad ahead of tonight’s big game at Winchester City’s Denplan City Ground.

“He’ll be a big a miss, it’s down to someone to fill his shoes but we’re fortunate in having players like Mike McEnery and Suhael Odeh who can also play up top,” he said.

Alresford’s chances of beating their Wessex title rivals have been boosted by tonight’s game being played between the two legs of Sholing’s FA Vase semi-final against Eastbourne United.

Robinson continued: “Even if Dave makes lots of changes they’ll still have good players coming in.

“But I thought the two centre- halves were supposed to be out on Saturday, yet both played.

“We’re playing better than last year and are the holders but the pressure’s off us because we’re playing the best team in the league.”