Sutton United boss Paul Doswell fears injury could rob him of his side’s defensive rock ahead of Saturday’s much-anticpated trip to Kingstonian, with skipper Jason Goodliffe facing a race against time to be fit.

The Gander Green Lane has hailed his back five as the reason behind his side’s run to the brink of securing a Ryman League Premier Division play-off place.

Sutton have lost just once since December 5 - a run which started with a 1-1 draw with Ks - and have the best defensive record in the division going into the final month of the campaign having conceded just 35 goals.

Goodliffe, who is struggling with a calf strain, is one of six first choice players with question marks over their fitness going into the weekend, while Bradley Woods-Garness (knee) and Alan Bray (ankle) have been sidelined for the rest of the season.

But the manager, who brought in Farnborough’s Craig Dobson last week to bolster his injury-ravaged squad, has no doubts over his side’s commitment to stretching their current 14-match unbeaten league run to the end of the season.

“People often talk about goals from strikers and our attacking players, but our defensive unit has been fantastic and has really set us up,” he said.

“Jason has been a massive signing and Kevin Scriven is the best goalkeeper in the league. With Francis Quarm and Sonny Cobbs sat in front of them, it leaves us four attacking spots for players to really go at teams.

“We’ve gone a third of the season unbeaten. I’m told it is our best run in 25 years and the players are desperate to keep it going to the end of the season.

“If they do that it will be the best run in the history of the club and everyone wants to be a part of that.”

First half goals from Steve Perkins, Anthony Joseph, and Steve Watts saw United brush aside Hendon 3-1 on Saturday to keep the pressure on second-placed Ks.

Heavy rain saw Tuesday’s trip to Billericay Town called off giving Sutton more time to get their men fit for the weekend’s clash, which could be repeated in the play-offs at the end of the campaign.

But Doswell doesn’t quite see it that way.

“People are saying we are destined to meet in the play-offs, but I can see us playing Tonbridge Angels,” he added.

“I think it is a credit to the Ryman League that this game is being talked about so much. Their slick pitch will suit us.

“We would have been down to the bare bones on Tuesday. A few players are struggling to be fit, so we will just have to wait and see who is available.”

Sutton’s walking wounded....

Jason Goodliffe - calf.

Sonny Cobbs - tonsillitis.

Sam Gargan - back.

Matt Hann - hamstring.

Charlie Taylor - knock.

Francis Quarm - thigh strain.

Sutton’s next three games: Apr 1 Croydon Athletic (a, SSC), 3 Kingstonian (a), 5 Cray Wanderers (h), 10 Canvey Island (a).