Hornchurch manager Mark Stimson knows they must cause an upset and progress in the FA Trophy or they could face a major rebuild of the squad.

The Urchins will play host to National League side Kings Lynn Town in the fourth round of the cup competition despite having not played in the league since the end of October.

They have been able to play in the FA Trophy throughout December - where they progressed past the likes of Wingate & Finchley, Tonbridge Angels and Dulwich Hamlet.

“As a manager it’s something I've never come across before as I've never been in this situation, and it’s hard because you’re not in control,” Stimson said.

“Everything crossed we can get out of this lockdown and they say the league can start again, but then I will have to look at how many players I've got, and how many do I need.

“If we don’t get through to the next round of the Trophy I think there will be at least four to six, if not more, move up to the next level.

“I’ve got 14 players, but I could be sitting here in a month's time with just six players, and then you have to rebuild.

“Rebuilding isn’t a problem, the problem will be the quality. All the players that have come in have always added something and improved the team.”

Stimson knows his squad could play at a higher level and they’ve already seen Nathan Cooper, Chris Dickson and Louis Ramsay make the step up since the league campaign was paused.

“You look at us this season, we’ve played Hampton away in the FA Cup, they sit fifth in the National League South and beat us on penalties.

“We’ve played Tonbridge Angels and Dulwich Hamlet away and beaten both of those teams, and I think Nathan Cooper has gone on record and said the hardest thing about that level is getting in there. Once you get in it’s a good level to play.

“I think all of my squad could play at that level, not one of them would look out of place. So that’s a good thing but also a bad thing as people are making enquiries every day.

“I’m getting a lot of people texting me about players and I'm saying just give me a bit more time then we’ll talk after that.

“I can only be honest with them and honest with the players. Hopefully they’re all honest with us, which they all have been, and we just look forward to this very good game against Kings Lynn.”