United entertain Conference South side Lewes FC[@opponent]Lewes FC[/@opponent] this evening, in the replay of their FA Trophy first round tie. The tie was originally scheduled for 20 December[@news]615[/@news], but had to be postponed because of the heavy fog that made visibility poor, especially under the floodlights[@news]616[/@news]. The first game between the sides, at the Dripping Pan, ended 0-0[@news]613[/@news], with United struggling to break down Lewes on a poor playing surface. At least tonight they won't have that impediment. The prize for the winners (and the game will go to extra time and penalties if necessary) is a home tie against Halifax this Saturday[@news]614[/@news]

Jim Smith will be forced into at least three changes to the side that drew with Morecambe on Saturday. Neither of the two new loan signings, Danny Rose and Georges Santos, are eligible to play because of the FA Trophy rule that only players who had been signed in time for the original game are allowed to play in replays. In addition, Phil Gilchrist limped out of Saturday's match shortly after half time, and he will be out for around a month, joining Eddie Hutchinson, Chris Willmott, and Steve Basham as medium-term injuries. There is still enough flexibility in the remainder of the squad to allow Smith to field a strong side, and it is possible that Marvin Robinson, who has been out since 18 September, could feature at some stage. Also in with a shout are midfielder Josh Kennet and defender Andy Gunn, who both made their United debuts coming off the bench in the New Year's Day defeat at Exeter.

If we thought that United had injury problems, we should be thankful that we're not Lewes, who could well have to play an outfield player in goal tonight. Their regular keeper, Aaron France, is still suffering from a dislocated shoulder and is unlikely to be risked, while his replacement, David Blackmore, who played so well in the first game between the sides, has been recalled from his loan by West Ham, with whom he is due to sign professional forms. The Rooks' third-choice keeper, Jack Stern, is off to the USA to do a scholarship, and can't play because of a clause in that agreement. Meanwhile, the FA has refused Lewes permission to sign an emergency cover because of the same Trophy rule that prohibits Rose and Santos from playing. It also prevents Lewes's new striker, Chris Sharpling, who signed on non-contract terms from Woking, from taking part. In addition, Lewes also have fitness doubts over former Rushden pair Jean-Michel Sigere and Simon Wormull. To top all that, Lewes are also in turmoil behind the scenes, with chairman Terry Parris quitting yesterday for family reasons, with no successor yet appointed. All this points to a United win, despite the club's current poor form in the Conference. Everyone at the club knows that anything less than a win is unacceptable, and Rage Online believes that the players will get the message and stroll to a healthy 3-0 victory. Please.

There is one other FA Trophy replay taking place this evening, as Tamworth welcome Altrincham. We're sure you care.