Boss Kelly keen for Scarborough Athletic to focus on themselves at big-spending Buxton

Boro will be coming up against some familiar faces in their hosts' line up tonight after they snapped up former Athletic trio Tommy Taylor, Chris Dawson and James Walshaw in the summer.

But boss Kelly, who returns to the sidelines after missing Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Witton due to a bout of illness, is keen to focus on his side rather than worrying too much about their opponents.

"They obviously have a few players who were with us last season, and I have to say they were great servants for us during their time with the club," said Kelly.

"They were adored by the fans during their time at Scarborough Athletic, but they've moved on now and we have to focus on the here and now, not the past.

"As always, I will drip feed the players the information I think they need going into the game, but I always like to focus on Scarborough Athletic and what we're doing rather than worrying too much about our opponents.

"Yes, Buxton seem to be the money men in the division now and have spent a few quid, but we have a strong side and go there confident of coming away with something."

Kelly is down to the bare bones, with midfielder Neal Bishop unavailable due to work commitments, new signing Donald Chimalilo out with a hamstring knock, skipper Michael Coulson still doubtful and Josh Barrett hampered by a dead leg issue that saw him replaced at half-time at Witton Albion on Saturday.

Kieran Glynn is also suspended for the trip to Buxton.

They're added to long term absentees Kieran Weledji, Isaac Assenso and Luke Porritt on the sidelines.

"We're struggling a bit for numbers, we don't have a big squad so when we get injuries they hit us badly," said Kelly.

"It is just a case of getting through it though, riding out the storm and I am confident that in the coming weeks we will be able to strengthen things and get our squad to where I want it to be.

"Coulo and Josh will need to be assessed ahead of the game tonight, fingers crossed they are both good to go.

"It's great to have Kian Spence back with us, he's a player and a person I very much admire and he will definitely improve us."