Cynics among the Northwich Victoria supporters have been suggesting that the club's big financial problems may have had something to do with Lee Steele missing Vics' last FA Cup tie through injury.

In other words, the club didn't want him cup-tied, they are claiming, so that he can move on to another club to save them some money.

Steele, who actually began his career at Northwich before going on to play for Shrewsbury, Brighton and then Oxford, was welcomed back when he arrived in August as the big star striker from Chester.

But the 33-year-old has been hampered by a hamstring tear and back strain, and has yet to find the net.

Northwich fans say they'll only be convinced that he genuinely missed the 3-1 win over Southport in the last round, if he plays against his old club tomorrow.

They are definitely without strikers Jonny Allan (broken leg) and Jake Speight (knee), while central defender Greg Strong (groin) is very doubtful.

But right back Richard Battersby, who missed the 2-0 defeat by Stevenage last Saturday, is expected to return from a hamstring injury.