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Norton however is confident of putting together a side capable of progressing through to May’s final against Dunkirk who defeated Holbrook Miners Welfare in last weeks other semi final. Gresley go in the game in the middle of an untimely blip in form that has seen them lose 3 of their last 4 league games since exiting the FA Vase at the hands of Whitehawk which have severely damaged any thoughts of promotion this season. In contrast Gedling have gone from strength to strength since the appointment of manager Mick Galloway and go into the game in confident mood having won 5 of their last 6 league games.

Carl Slater returns to the squad after serving a one match suspension and Adam Betteridge is also due to return but Norton has been plagued with a multitude of selection problems as he is forced to dig very very deep in to his “squad” ahead of the game at Heanor Towns ground.

A number of regular players are on the injured list with none of those missing for Saturday’s game likely to return in time. Mark Blount (knee), Jack Coulson (ankle), Brian Woodall (ankle), Royce Turville (groin), Tom Betteridge (foot), Matt Hill (Hamstring) are joined on the sidelines by Martin Gadsby who also has a hamstring problem but misses the game due to being cup tied together with Tom Land. The latest addition to the treatment room is Rhys Powell who limped out of Saturdays action with a hamstring problem. Also missing will be Chris Gray who has ruled himself out of recent games for personal reasons although there is still the slight hope that he may be able to play.

Stefan Marshall adds to the selection woe’s after declaring himself unavailable due to his employer not allowing him time off work whilst the manager was hoping to call upon the versatile Paul Edwards but he too is unavailable. Winger Oliver Hancock had been pencilled into the squad before a recurring groin injury playing 5 a side on Monday also ruled him out. Attempts have also been made to draft in Matt Weightman, James Davies and Reserve team player coach Andy Dunn but for various reasons all three are not able to make the trip.

In order to be eligible for the tie squad members have to be signed to the club for 28 days meaning recent signings from the reserve side Paul Friel, Dave Williams and Ravi Sangha who all featured in last weekend’s league game are ineligible. Callum Keenan also remains registered to the club but is out injured for the remainder of the season after picking up injury with current club Ashby whilst Norton also contacted winger John Shales who signed for the club at the start of the season but he is recovering from a slipped disc.

Michael Lonergan will retain his place in the squad and Norton will possibly recall Andy Elliot who played and scored for Stapenhill last night. However Chris Burnham pulled a hamstring on Reserve team duty last night so is added to the list of those unavailable meaning Norton will delay naming his squad until later today.