BEWDLEY Town could be without both their goalkeepers if Darren Steadman loses his appeal to the FA’s disciplinary panel tomorrow.

The experienced shot-stopper is set to start a ban next Monday after an incident while helping to coach the club’s youth team.

To make matters worse, first-choice shot-stopper Tom Harper starts a 30-day ban on the same day, after his dismissal during the loss to Wolverhampton Casuals in October.

Former Stourport Swifts and Bromsgrove Rovers keeper Craig Ladek has been drafted in as cover but if Steadman is handed a ban, then Bewdley will have to find another as back-up.

The possibility of being without both keepers would be a big blow for the Ribbesford Meadows outfit, who have struggled for consistency in the West Midlands League Premier Division because of injuries or absences this season.

Joint manager Craig Payton said: “We think Darren’s ban is a bit harsh so we’ve appealed it.

“We’ll hear on Friday the result and we’re keeping our fingers crossed.

“It’s another slice of bad luck but it’s typical of how things are at the moment, we get one player back and two more are missing.”

Town suffered another setback on Saturday when they lost to Oldbury Athletic 2-1 in the league.

Craig Forbes had levelled the scores with a fine 35-yard strike but they suffered a blow late on when Oldbury hit them on the break to bag the winner.

Richard Burgess had hit the post and Mike Carter had a good shout for a penalty ignored and Oldbury hit Bewdley on the break and won a corner, from which they scored.

“We actually played well but our habit of letting in late goals is costing us at the moment,” commented Payton.

“We were unlucky again because I thought we had a good shout for a penalty, when Mike Carter was pulled down in the box.”

Bewdley are hoping to welcome back Craig Webb, Dan Jones and striker Grant Joshua for Saturday’s trip to Darlaston Town in the league on Saturday (3pm kick-off). Harper will play his final game before starting his suspension.

Payton said: “Darlaston’s ground isn’t great so it won’t be an easy game.”

Town have also signed Harriers under-18s hitman Sam Woodhouse, who has scored 18 goals for far this campaign. The striker missed Saturday's defeat because of injury but is expected to be available soon.