McNerney and Tomlin set to return for Crawley against Southend
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Reds’ Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Second Round game is against League One club Southend, who are currently 11th in the table.
Yates said: “We are desperate to give our home supporters something to shout about.
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Hide Ad“We are desperate for a home win and if it doesn’t come tomorrow it can come on Saturday (against Leyton Orient).
“There’s still a belief around the place and we’ll get it right.”
Gavin Tomlin and Joe McNerney could return to the squad following injury, Tomlin being involved for the first time this season.
Another player who will be making his debut this season will be goalkeeper Callum Preston who replaces Freddie Woodman who is on international duty for England U19s.
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Former Crawley loanee last season, Anthony Wordsworth, could start for Southend.
Yates added: “We have a few players missing for one reason or another but the squad is bigger in terms of numbers so I won’t have any problem making one or two changes and seeing if the lads who come in can take their opportunity.
“The league is obviously our priority but wins in whatever competition breed confidence and if we can cut out the basic mistakes that have been plaguing us we can definitely get a result.”
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