Eastbourne Borough's defensive crisis has deepened ahead of their trip to Grantham Town.

Danny Simmonds, who has dropped back into defence to cover for absentees, has now joined the casualty list after dislocating his elbow in a fall.

Darren Baker is suspended while Ben Austin (back) is also out. Fullback Stuart Tuck (knee) is rated as highly-doubtful having failed to train on Tuesday.

Borough boss Garry Wilson said: "We only have Stuart Playford and Stewart Holmes fit. It's those two against the world."

Wilson hopes to bring in a defender on loan to ease his problems.

He said: "I have made a number of phone calls and a few names have been mentioned. However, there would be money involved and some of the cash being asked is astronomical."

He added: "It is no good just getting someone in for the sake of it. It has to be the right person."

Manager Steve Lovell admits it will be a strange feeling not being the underdogs when Hastings United go to Rothwell in the eastern division.

United are on the back of two straight wins for the first time this season and face a side who have only won twice this season.

Lovell said: "I expect us to do well in every game we play, but it is a bit different going into a game after two wins. It gives the players confidence and that is just what we need if we are going to have a bit of a run."