ALTRINCHAM may be missing three star players for the visit of Lancaster City in the FA Cup on Saturday November 17.

Kevin Hulme and Jason Gallagher, who both retired hurt from Saturday's FA Trophy match against Spalding, are both doubtful for the game.

To make matters worse, defender Chris Adams, fresh back from a nasty ankle injury, took a rough tackle on the same leg and could not finish Tuesday's replay, which the Robins won 3-2.

Speaking earlier this week, manager Bernard Taylor said, "I don't think Jason or Kevin will play in the FA cup match.

"They were both playing with injuries anyway. I don't know how they manage it, and I can't thank them enough for what they have done."

Free-scoring striker Rod Thornley bagged another two goals for Alty, after Spalding had equalised twice in a far more entertaining game than Saturday's.

The Manchester United masseur scored the opener on eleven minutes, sweeping in Danny Murphy's low cross at the back post.

The visitors answered back through Lee Stephenson before Mark Sertori headed his first goal for the club from Steve Hawes' corner.

Spalding midfielder Robbie Williams, who should have been sent off for a succession of dangerous tackles, levelled the match, but no-one could deny the resilient Robins another cup win, as Thornley netted his nineteenth goal this season.

l Lancaster City are bringing five coaches of fans for the first round tie, which is shaping up to be Alty's biggest cup tie since their trip to Preston in the mid nineties.