SIXTH-PLACED Basingstoke Town have a defensive problem to sort out ahead of tomorrow's awesome home task against Ryman Premier Division title chasers St Albans City.

Young centre-back Steve Hemmings is suspended after being sent off for two bookable offences at Heybridge Swifts a fortnight ago.

"We're going to have to juggle things round a bit but we don't want to upset the balance of the side too much," said assistant manager Pete Peters.

After a magnificent seven straight wins, Stoke came off the rails last Saturday, crashing out of the FA Trophy 2-0 at home to Sutton United.

But it was business as usual for Ernie Howe's men on Tuesday when they demolished Hampshire League minnows Ringwood Town 7-1 to reach the quarter-finals of the Hampshire Senior Cup.

Wide man Alex Ewin was due for a comeback against Ringwood after being knocked unconscious at Uxbridge last month and swallowing his tongue.

Peters said: "He's desperate to play, but he's been suffering a lot of headaches and we didn't want to risk it. He's seeing a doctor this week."

l First squares up to second at the Recreation Ground where league leaders Aldershot Town entertain nearest rivals Purfleet.

Shots boss Terry Brown is looking to bolster his squad after coming within three minutes of an embarrassing Hampshire Senior Cup exit against Wessex outfit Bournemouth Poppies on Tuesday.

Two late goals from Jamie Taylor bailed the Shots out for a 3-2 win, but Brown said: "It highlighted the weaknesses we have in the depth of the squad."