Scarborough travel to Kingsmeadow to face FA Cup heroes Kingstonian, hoping to extend their eight-match unbeaten run in the Nationwide Conference League.

Manager Neil Thompson and leading scorer Steve Brodie both missed the FA Trophy win at Runcorn last week with hamstring injuries and it looks likely that both will have to settle for a spot on the substitutes' bench.

Said Thompson: "I probably won't risk either of us in the starting line-up.

"Although we have both had a full day's training, it would be foolish to risk aggravating the injuries."

Thompson is definitively missing Denny Ingram through suspension, but the Boro boss has a choice of options open to him.

"Romaine Faure could move into midfield from sweeper, or David Pounder could drop back from the striking role he had last week, but I shall decide near kick-off what the exact line-up will be," he declared.

Both Faure and Pounder were outstanding in the win last week and it is quite possible that Thompson may well bring a new face into the team to replace Ingram in midfield, with youngster Alex Gildea getting a start.

Andy Woods will meanwhile keep his place in the Boro goal now that Phil Priestley has returned to Rochdale after completing his loan spell.

Kingstonian are languishing near the foot of the Conference despite their impressive FA Cup run, which saw them win at Third Division Southend United in one of the third round shocks.

The club's reward was not to pull out a plum against one of the Premiership big boys, but nevertheless they face a lucrative trip to Second Division Bristol City managed by former Sheffield Wednesday and Barnsley boss Danny Wilson.

Boro's Thompson will be hoping his opponents will be distracted enough by the thought of the fourth round trip to Ashton Gate next week.

Boro: from Woods, Russell, Rennison, Faure, Ellender, Brunton, Stoker, Williams, Gildea, Pounder, Diallo, Newton, Brodie, Thompson, Morris, Windross and Jewell.

Updated: 10:51 Friday, January 19, 2001