SHOLING make the short trip back to Bashley in the FA Trophy tomorrow looking for a second cup victory over the Foresters in the space of five days.

They are confident that fit-again striker Alex Baldacchino will be vying for selection after he scored twice, along with fellow brace man Daniel Mason, in Tuesday’s 4-2 Red Insure Cup success over the Foresters.

It’s been a long road back to fitness for Baldacchino who has been out with an ankle injury since August.

There was a minor scare on Tuesday when he took a knock, but relieved co-boss Dave Fear confirmed: “It turned out to be slight cramp, so he’ll be available “Alex has got a lot of pace and, for a small lad, he’s quite strong and holds the ball up well.

“He’s not your big, strong targetman and you won’t get 25-yarders from him, but he’s a little snapper who’s deadly around the box.”

Fear was also pleased to see young Mason add to his tally. “Daniel does get wonder goals every now and then and he’s not afraid to let one fly,” he said.

With many of their big hitters rested on Tuesday. Sholing will have a different look about them tomorrow.

“We’ve got players coming back, so we should be a bit stronger,” said Fear. “The first half on Tuesday was a bit laboured, playing a side near the bottom who are desperate for results, but our fitness and quality told in the end.

“It was good to win, but tomorrow’s the big one. It’s not just about bragging rights, there’s a few quid to be won (£2,500) and a place in the next round.”

The Boatmen have a doubt over defender Mike Byrne who was taken off at half-time on Tuesday to protect a hamstring niggle.

Sholing, meanwhile, are scouring the area for a replacement for skipper and powerhouse midfielder Byron Mason, who has signed for Conference South outfit Gosport Borough.

“Byron’s departure has left a big hole and we’re looking around to see if there’s a suitable replacement,” Fear confirmed. “Ideally we want an experienced player stepping down from a higher level, but that doesn’t often happen.

“Byron was a big character in our dressing room and all round the place, but he’s ambitious and we didn’t want to hold him back.”