FRANK Gray is still planning to ring the changes in the wake of Basingstoke Town’s disappointing FA Trophy defeat – but has not yet decided whether to drop under-fire goalkeeper Ross Kitteridge.

The Town ’keeper punched a cross into his own net to hand Ryman League division one outfit Northwood a shock win on Saturday – the second time he has made such a costly error this season.

Manager Gray admitted that it was a “horrible mistake” and is considering his options between the posts.

“I will think about the goalkeeping situation as the week goes on,” he said. “Ross certainly could not complain if he were dropped.

“I don’t think the players have lost faith in him though and people forget that he has also kept us in games and won us a lot of points over the last couple of seasons.”

In truth, with new players unlikely to arrive at the Camrose before the visit of Welling on Saturday, Gray’s options in goal are limited.

Craig Atkinson did a decent job when deputising for Kitteridge in Newport but is something of an unknown quantity at Blue Square South level and the only other ’keepers at the club are untried youngsters.

However, while Kitteridge could escape the axe, others will not be so lucky.

Gray was fuming after the defeat at Northwood, calling the desire of his players into question and promising changes for the next match.

He plans to remain true to his word and says that nobody is safe.

“I do not think any of them could be disappointed if they are not picked on Saturday,” Gray said. “They certainly could not complain it would be unjustified.

“Jide Ogunbote was suspended last week and I think we missed his energy, getting about the opposition and going forward. There were others who came on and did not start, like Ryan Stephens, who did well when he came on, so we have options.”

Gray has assembled a squad brimming with versatility, giving him plenty to think about when it comes to reshuffling his pack.

If he does decide to hand Stephens a start, Jahson Downes could be switched to the right wing, where his pace and trickery could cause problems.

A lack of creativity has been a problem in recent weeks and the Town boss could attempt to remedy this by selecting two attack minded players on the left flank, with Matt Warner lining up at full back behind Gary Frewen.

In the centre of midfield, the passing skills of Tom Williamson, whose broken hand got through a substitute appearance last week, could help create more chances, while Ogunbote has been one of Basingstoke’s most consistent performers this season.

Sean Hankin should return to the fold after missing last week’s game due to work commitments, but Nigerian striker Benedict Akwuegbu is still working on his fitness, something that has been made harder with the discovery that he is ineligible to play for the reserves after registering for Woking earlier in the season.

Saturday will see Welling visit the Camrose (kick-off 3pm). The difference in form could scarcely be more marked, with the visitors having won their last five while Town have failed to win any of theirs.

Gray said: “Their results will have given them confidence but we start the game level. We are not underdogs feeling sorry for ourselves. It’s up to us to get at them and try to win the game.”