Southwick went to County League leaders Burgess Hill in the John O'Hara Cup today in crisis.

Six first teamers were ruled out and the club have no reserve team.

Hugh Holden (calf), Jack Dineen (thigh) and Wayne Potbury (knee) are still sidelined after sustaining their injuries in a 2-0 defeat at Horsham eight days ago when debutant Junior Lamont, who came on as a substitute, suffered ankle ligament damage. Gary Patterson has a back problem and Justin Cole the flu.

A 7-0 defeat against Peacehaven on Tuesday underlined the club's problems. Manager Bob Hitchcock said: "It is fair enough to call it a crisis. We are in a sorry state. It is the worst I've known it since I started in football. I used to be at Burgess Hill and there is no way I wanted to go back there like that. The fact we gave up the reserve team last season means I have to find replacements in the youth team.

"I've been trying to get some players in. I even approached Micky Farmer who I knew from Peacehaven but he is 43 now.

"I would like to appeal through the Sports Argus for players. If there are any out there who want to play for us, please get in touch."

Youth players Seb Kesmi, Gary Rook and Lawrence Edwards were thrown into the first team squad to face Hillians.

Hitchcock, though, was looking forward to returning to Leylands Park.

He said: "I had some good memories there as a player. At least it was just a cup match.

"We are struggling in the league and it gave us some extra time to get the first team sorted out."

FORMER Albion striker Pete Montgomery could be in line for a return to boost Lancing's FA Vase bid. The striker has been sidelined for three weeks with a knee injury.

But his boss Andy Gander hopes the ex-Ardingly College pupil will be fit to face Kent Premier outfit Ramsgate at home in their first round tie next Saturday.

Gander said: "I rate Pete's chances as 50-50 but it would be useful to have him to call upon. Midfielder Cameron Clark should be fit for his comeback after a knee injury."

He is looking to capitalise on home advantage.

"Any time you play at home it is good news because it gives you a better chance of progressing.

"We're not going to win the FA Vase from the County League division two but we can aim to make the first round proper. That would give the club a real boost because it is such a special competition.

"I've already achieved a milestone this season by producing a winning team for the first time in an FA Cup tie and three Vase games.

"Our Cup win over Fleet was a big boost and we want to keep it going even though we must be one of the lowest level teams left.

"I don't know anything about Ramsgate. I would guess their level is the equivalent of County League division one."