Defender Gary Waters is set to be the only regular starter absent for Braintree Town's FA Trophy fifrth round clash at Margate on Saturday.

Ex-Swifts centre-back Waters was stretchered off having suffered suspected knee ligament damage during Iron's 2-0 victory over Heybridge on Tuesday night.

But team-mate Brett Girling has now recovered from a knee injury. Gavin Cowan is also back after missing the Heybridge game with a groin strain.

Saturday will be the first time Braintree have played a Nationwide Conference outfit in the club's history.

And Embery knows his side have their work cut out.

He said: "I've had Margate watched and they're a strong physical team who are a real handful.

"I think we would be happy with a replay but that's not to say we won't try and win the game outright.

"If they play to their full potential then we are struggling. Either way, we have to be on top of our game."

Published Thursday, February 21, 2002