Molesey FC boss Steve Webb could literally be making up the numbers as he bids to cause an FA Trophy upset on Saturday.

The Moles take on Ebbsfleet United for a place in the first round and look set to be without star striker Staf Palmer for the trip due to a prior engagement.

Webb is sweating on the availability of two or three other first choice players as they try to juggle their work commitments to be available for the biggest match in the manager’s career.

Had it not been for a stunning fight back in the last round that saw Molesey come from 3-1 down with 13 minutes remaining to triumph 4-3 over Harlow Town, the Walton Road side would have been hosting Hastings United in a Ryman Division One South clash.

Instead, Webb’s men travel to the National League South leaders and, despite the selection headaches, the former Egham Town player insists his men will give a good account of themselves.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better draw really,” said the manager.

“With all due respect we might have drawn Met Police away and lost 2-1 in front of 80 people.

“Instead we are going to play in front of a crowd of nearly 1,000.

“We were playing in the Combined Counties League Premier Division last season and there were plenty of places you didn’t fancy going for very different reasons.

“You play football for the challenge and that is what the game is all about.”

Palmer, who scored 40 goals in 40 starts as the Moles lifted the Combined Counties LEague Premier Division title and Southern Combination Cup last season, has 17 goals in 16 appearances for Molesey this term.

And his absence will mean a change of game plan to the one that thrashed Guernsey 4-0 last week with the former Met Police striker netting all four goals.

But there are other players who can upset Ebbsfleet with midfielder James McShane - suspended for Tuesday’s 5-1 defeat to Faversham Town that compounded Saturday’s 2-1 reverse at Ramsgate - returning and looking to add to his 18 goals in 26 appearances this season.

Reis Stanislaus, the hero of the last round, has also potted 10 goals, so the hosts will need to be on their toes.

“Staf is the one that stands out, but we do not have him all the time and he is possibly out so we will have to change the game plan,” added Webb.

“We’ve got no injuries but there are a couple of players who are trying to change their shifts to be available and I’m confident we will get a decent side out.

“We’re not going to just make up the numbers because we have some quality in our side.

“There is £4,000 in prize money at stake, but we will also get 50 per cent of the gate receipts so it will be a nice little earner too, which will help the club pay a few bills.”

In other FA Trophy action, Hampton & Richmond Borough host Maidstone United, Corinthian Casuals head to Grays Athletic, Met Police host Wealdstone and Kingstonian welcome Truro City to Kingsmeadow.