INJURY-ravaged Alfreton Town will have to field an outfield player in goal for their FA Cup fourth qualifying round replay at Lincoln City on Tuesday night.
Former Derby County keeper James Severn, who made his debut in Saturday's 1-1 draw against the Imps after joining the Reds on loan from Scunthorpe United, has been ruled out for around eight weeks with a ruptured thigh muscle.
Fellow loan stopper Cameron Dawson is also carrying a thigh injury and Alfreton have had an appeal for permission to bring in another keeper on an emergency basis turned down by the Football Association.
Under competition rules, only players who were registered for the original tie at noon last Friday are eligible for the replay.
Reds boss Nicky Law will have only 14 players available for the tie at Sincil Bank, three of who are not fully fit as they work their way back from injury.
"We have just 11 fit players, one of whom is going to have to play in goal," said Law.
"We are not complaining and we have already checked with the FA that we will not be fined for fielding a weakened side.
"It also comes at a cost, as we will also now have to pay for James Severn's wages for a month.
"It is an extraordinary set of circumstances we find ourselves in. We sought dispensation from the Football Association first thing on Monday morning but they have turned it down.
"Regardless of who we draw in the first round (on Monday night), we just need to come out of the replay with our pride and credibility intact.
"But the pressure will be on Lincoln City to win the game and win it comfortably, which every outsider will probably feel they should given the circumstances.
"I am not sure what's worse, being me with just 11 fit players and no goalkeeper or being Lincoln manager Gary Simpson with the players, home advantage and the fear of not winning that game playing against a team with 11 fit players and no recognised goalkeeper.
"This is a game that Lincoln should not or could not lose, really."
Alfreton right-back Bradley Wood will be out for several weeks with a knee injury, joining Severn, Dawson, Dan Gray (groin), Andi Thanoj (broken ankle) and Chris Smith (broken finger) on the sidelines.
