MANAGER Dave Busst is expected to reinstate Richard Ball and Stuart Hamilton into Evesham United's starting line-up for two crucial Division One West matches in the space of four days.

The unavailability of John Gayle, preferred to top scorer Ball last weekend, and Marc Burrow for the visits to Ashford and Cinderford will leave the Common Road boss with little option although he could give Matty Hall a starting berth while also considering a fit again Steve Duncan.

It's more likely that the latter will take up a place in midfield if he comes through training this week, while Hall may again have to settle for a place on the bench.

Hamilton, meanwhile, whose one-match ban didn't materialise was kept on the bench against Yate so as not to aggravate a back strain in the knowledge that Burrow was missing for three matches.

"When John (Gayle) is available then I will play him," Busst admitted. "He gives us a presence up front and pulls defenders around and that has given Jermaine (Clarke) more space."

The Robins manager is fully aware that automatic promotion is in his own side's hands and their position was strengthened when both Bromsgrove and Clevedon, at Cinderford, could only manage goalless draws on their travel this week.

However, Ashford have hopes o sneaking into the play-offs while the Forest of Dean side are still fighting for survival.

"I prefer to play teams that have something left to play for," Busst said. "At least they will come out and play while on the other hand they can play without worry whether they win or lose 4-0!"

The manager has, however, strengthened his squad with the play-offs in mind by getting a quartet of players to sign on.

Former United ace Sean Flynn and fellow midfielder Mark Taylor have joined Redditch teammate Daire Doyle in the registration list, while two more popular ex-Common Road men have also put pen to paper in the shape of Phil Preedy and Inderpaul Khela.

The latter's shoulder problems have kept him out all season but that has now been operated on.

However, Busst says that he is unlikely to risk the utility man while the manager has also resigned himself to losing skipper Lee Knight for the remainder of the campaign.

l THERE will be a quiz in the Common Road clubhouse on Saturday, April 30. See Mike Peplow to enter your team.