Scarborough entertain Doc Martens side Hednesford Town in the FA Trophy at the McCain Stadium without influential player-coach Mark Patterson.

Patterson is serving a one-mtach suspension after picking up five cautions.

"We will miss Mark obviously, but it gives a chance for Steve Baker to start the game.

"I have no doubt that he will not let us down," said Boro manager Russell Slade.

The FA Trophy was a cup of joy for Boro throughout the 1970s.

The Seadogs boasted no fewer than four Wembley appearances, fortified by three conquests, and Slade views tomorrow's tie as a welcome diversion from the struggle to avoid relegation from the Conference.

"In one way, the pressure is off us in this game and the lads will be able to play with a bit more freedom, so we are certainly looking forward to it.

"A good cup run will help to keep the spirit high here at the club."

Hednesford, once FA Cup conquerors of York City, are now managed by former Walsall and Cardiff City boss Kenny Hibbit.

They were relegated from the Conference last season and are now in the bottom half of the Doc Martens League.

For the Seasiders Richard Dryden has not been replaced after returning to Kenilworth road after the end of his loan spell from Luton Town, so French defender Romain Faure is likely to be deployed at centre-back.

Striker Darren Connell, however, will be on the substitutes' bench after his international clearance from the Dutch FA was received earlier this week.

Scarborough from Woods, Blunt, Rennison, Shepherd, Faure, Baker, Stoker, Jordan, Pounder, Shields, Rose, Jones, Stamp, Smith, Sherwood and Connell.

Updated: 12:26 Friday, January 11, 2002