Histon are considering applying for special dispensation from the Football Association to sign a goalkeeper.

The Stutes look set to be without first-choice David Knight for their trip to Forest Green on Saturday after he picked up a thigh strain.

Boss Alan Lewer told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire: "David is a doubt and bringing someone in is an option."

Reserve keeper Joe Welch has been frozen out, meaning 41-year-old coach Lance Key is their only alternative.

Knight was unable to take goal kicks during the second half of Tuesday's defeat at Luton.

Welch has been out of the picture after failing to agree a new contract, meaning goalkeeping coach Key is on standby.

"I would definitely be up for playing and would prepare myself as best as possible, but I've been on the bench for the past eight or nine games," he said.

"The one thing I do have is experience and hopefully the occasion wouldn't get to me and I can use my experience to get through it."

They are currently three points above the Blue Square Premier drop zone and have two games left this season.

And Lewer has said he is aiming to get a new man on board and will apply to the FA and Football Conference for permission.

He has spoken to Torquay about their number two Michael Poke and is confident a deal can be completed before Saturday if necessary.

Meanwhile, he feels a draw on Saturday would guarantee their survival.

Forest Green, Eastbourne and Gateshead are all between the Stutes and the relegation zone.

"As a manager you try and take the pressure off, but the point is so important to the club," Lewer said.

"It's matches like this that make football what it is and the players know what they need to achieve."

Key was part of the Histon side which won promotion to the Blue Square Premier in 2007 and took over as goalkeeping coach in 2008.

He thinks it would be a disaster if the club were to be relegated.

"Saturday's match is up there with the biggest matches ever at this club as we're fighting for survival," he said.

"We've worked so hard to get where we are now so it would be heartbreaking to go down."

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