REALISTIC manager Dave Diaper does not expect miracles from his evolving, young Sholing team when Havant & Waterlooville come calling in the FA Cup first qualifying round on Saturday (3pm).

Taming a Hawks side boasting five straight Ryman Premier wins is a challenge in itself.

But Sholing, who ply their trade two tiers down in the Sydenhams Premier, will not even be at full strength.

Set-piece maestro Kevin Brewster and teenage frontman Nick Yeomans should be back available, but defender Jack Smith (ankle) and targetman Zach Glasspool (back) remain sidelined, while influential wideman Jake Hoole is still away.

“Havant have had a good start and it’s going to be quite a challenge against them with a few players out,” admitted Diaper.

“Jake Hoole’s been away for a month and we’ve missed the natural width he gives us on the left.

“We’ve had players missing most games due to holidays etc. and I said to the lads how do they expect to win things with so many of them away.

“It’s frustrating for a manager, but it’s a different ball game these days. We’ve got a young side with other priorities.

“It’s happening to lots of clubs, not just us. You have to bend with the times and get on with it.”

While the emergence of youngsters like Yeomans, Joel Drew, Kieran Winman and 16-year-old defender Owen Royl signals a bright future for Sholing, Diaper admits his side is short on game-changers and technical know-how.

“We lack a bit of quality on the ball, someone who can thread a pass between two players,” he said.

“We used to have lots of lads who could come off the bench and change a game, but my bald patch is getting bigger these days because I’m scratching my head!” he smiled.

“But it’s not all about results, it’s about young players developing and getting experience. Next year is the third of our three-year plan.”

Admission on Saturday is £6 adults, £4 concessions, £3 12-16s and free for under-12s.