Clarke back in squad but puzzles for Busst (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Clarke back in squad but puzzles for Busst

SUSPENSIONS, injury worries and transfer targets could all conspire to make it a far from happy Christmas for Dave Busst, writes Mervyn Collins.

Evesham United's manager is already without the services of Gavin O'Toole and Richie Robinson for next Tuesday's home date with fellow Southern League Premier Division strugglers Cirencester, while Richard Ball is a doubt after taking a real clattering at Hitchin last weekend and Kettering Town have put in a seven-day approach for Matty Lewis.

On the brighter side, Jermaine Clarke will return to Common Road from a loan spell at Redditch in time for the festive spell of three games in seven days, while the manager will replace the suspended pair with the dependable Steven Hands and Leon Blake.

"We were always going to be lightweight if we picked up injuries and suspensions but we've got experienced players to come in and we will cope with it," Busst promised.

"As far as I am concerned Matty (Lewis) isn't going anywhere and we will take a look at Bally's injury in training this week. It can't be that bad because he played on!"

The United chief was happy with the point his side brought back from Hert-fordshire but revealed that he had some harsh words to say to his players after the game.

"I didn't want them to think that we had got a point and that that was alright because we were played-off the park in the second half," Busst admitted. "We got caught cold in the first minute went on to play some of our best football of the season in the first half - with no end product - and then got absolutely battered after half-time."

The Evesham manager has his sights set on two wins from the trio of holiday matches as his side set out to extend their four-match unbeaten sequence in the league.