SHOLING’s 25-goal striker Dan Mason may be rested for tonight’s Southampton Senior Cup tie against Lymington Town.

Mason scored twice in the first 11 minutes of Sholing’s 3-1 win against Team Solent in the Sydenhams Wessex Premier League on Saturday, rounding the goalkeeper to give the Boatmen the lead before heading the second.

But after taking his tally for the season to 25 in 23 games he limped off with a knee injury in the 56th minute.

Sholing manager Dave Diaper said: “Our physio has recommended rest as it’s an impact injury rather than a sprain.

“It’s a very important game but it’s also important we don’t lose Dan for two or three weeks.”

Former Sholing player Pip Nolan pulled a goal back for Team Solent in the 25th minute before Alex Sawyer restored the two-goal advantage.

The FA Vase defeat at Buckland aside, Sholing have not lost since Lymington beat them 4-2 on October 10.

After making it nine wins in as many games in Hampshire, Sholing are hoping to make it a perfect ten against Lymington, who beat Sholing’s reserves 5-2 in the second round.

The Linnets drew 3-3 at home to Fawley on Saturday after leading 1-0 and 3-2 with Zac Mouland, Tim Stephenson and Darren Ritchie scoring the goals.

Diaper said: “Even with some players cup tied, I’ve got plenty of options.”

Tonight’s fixtures (7.45pm):

Russell Cotes Cup (second round): Folland Sports v Otterbourne,

Sydenhams Wessex Premier League: Newport (IoW) v Blackfield & Langley.

Southampton Senior Cup (third round): Lymington Town v Sholing.

Wessex Football League Cup: Totton & Eling v Fawley, Salisbury v Fleet Spurs.

Tomorrow: Brockenhurst v Horndean (7.45pm)