GARY Horgan admits Supermarine’s goalkeeping difficulties could be the difference between survival and relegation in the Southern Premier.

The South Marston side began the season with a regular number one in Kent Kauppinen, only for a niggling knee injury to see him spent extended periods on the sidelines.

Lowly Marine have been forced to swap between Ash Harrison and Ian Gill as cover, but having undergone an operation three weeks ago, Kauppinen is fit to take his place in the side ahead of tomorrow’s clash with visiting Banbury.

“Kent did really well for us and since his injury, we’ve had to scramble around looking for keepers at late notice,” said joint-boss Horgan.

“That’s a key position - people talk about the spine of the team and if you have a really good goalie that can get you 10 points a season.

“That can be the difference for a side like us, or a side challenging for the title.”

Winger Nick Stanley will undergo a late fitness test on a tight groin ahead of tomorrow’s game, but Marine otherwise have no new injury concerns.

Horgan added: “Banbury are a difficult team to play against as they are an honest, hard-working side.

“At the start of the season they were right up there although they have maybe struggled of late, but you know what you’re going to get with them and it will be a tough game.”

Meanwhile, Chippenham will be hoping to halt their run of four league games without a win when they take on Hitchin at Hardenhuish Park.

Defender Greg Tindle is doubtful as he is still recovering from a broken hand, while Toby Osman has a hamstring strain and Nathan Rudge is carrying a knee problem.

Midfielder Richard Evans, who only joined the Bluebirds at the beginning of February, has left the club as he is moving away.

Chippenham boss Adie Mings said: “We hope that Hitchin will come to us and have a go like Hitchin sides of the past have done.

“But they may try to frustrate us, so we have to be ready to show enough quality to break them down.”

Elsewhere, Cirencester travel to Leamington as the prospect of relegation looms ever larger at the Corinium.

The Centurions’ 3-1 loss at Weymouth on Tuesday left them 12 points from safety with nine games to play, giving Brian Hughes’ side a mountain to climb to ensure survival.