SUPERMARINE’S seventh goalkeeper of the season is expected to make his debut in the Southern Premier relegation six-pointer against Hemel Hempstead tomorrow.

Totton’s Grant Porter, who featured in the Stags’ FA Cup second-round meeting with Bristol Rovers in December, is due to sign on loan until the end of the season, just in time to make the trip to Vauxhall Road.

Marine have endured a nightmare goalkeeping situation this campaign having used Kent Kauppinen, James Rae, Ash Harrison, Ian Gill and Jason Hull between the sticks.

Even full-back Kyle Lapham donned the gloves after Hull was sent off against Chesham last weekend, and joint boss Gary Horgan is hoping ex-Salisbury youngster Porter will provide the ‘consistency’ his side need as they continue to battle the drop.

“He’s been Totton’s first choice for most of the season and played for them in their FA Cup run,” said Horgan.

“Totton then signed James Bittner from Forest Green Rovers and he’s now their number one, so Grant isn’t getting game time and they were kind enough to let us have him.

“Consistency is going to be vital for us at the end of the season and he comes well-recommended.

“We spoke to a couple of people who said he would be a more than adequate replacement.”

Although the Southern League transfer window shuts today, there is not expected to be any hitches with the temporary move.

In any case, Marine should be able to gain special dispensation to make a transfer outside the window as Porter is a goalkeeper.

On the pitch, Marine face a hugely important weekend, as the best case scenario would see them move two points from safety and the worst case would see them eight points away.

Horgan says that while three points would be a big bonus against fellow strugglers Hemel, most important is not to suffer defeat.

“There’s no getting away from it, they are all massive games when you’re down the bottom of the table and you’re fighting for your lives,” said Horgan.

“Rather than label it a must-win game, I think it’s a must-not-lose game.

“If we can get three more wins that will give us a chance and a draw on top of that might make the difference, but if we lose it would be a big blow.”

Horgan and fellow joint boss Matt Robinson welcome back midfielder Rob Dean from suspension while defenders Danny Allen and Jon Beeden should be available again. Striker Bradley Gray will have his ankle injury assessed late on.

n MARINE’S relegation rivals Redditch have signed ex-England international Lee Hendrie.