INFLUENTIAL skipper Steve Lutz sits out Evesham United's next three games that could have a huge bearing on their hopes of lifting the Division One Midlands title.

The former Worcester City man starts a three-match ban on Saturday when Cinderford Town visit St George's Lane.

"Steve has been a massive part of our rise to the top of the table and his input has been fantastic," United manager Paul West admitted.

"However, we have got were we are collectively and it would be difficult to pick out just one oustanding player because there have been five or six."

It's that team spirit that West hopes will shine through in what he describes as an "important week" after seeing his side draw at Chesham and then lose for the first time in 12 matches against Aylesbury last Saturday.

"We've not been at our best in the past two games and I felt we could have been more positive in the first half when a second goal might have proved crucial in the context of Steve's (Lutz) sending off," Evesham's chief recalled.

West will have to shake up his squad again and there could be a place for striker Anton Jones if his proposed move from Oldbury United gets the green light.

James Knott, who netted a hat-trick in a 5-2 win at Cinderford in December, isn't available this weekend and, if a deal for Jones is sorted, then Knott will be given the chance to get some games under his belt elsewhere.

Danny Scheppel's knee problem will keep him out of the next two games but Simon Fitter is expected to keep his place after showing up well on his return to the club last weekend.

"We haven't had too many setbacks this season and we've got make sure that we react positively and out the last two games behind us quickly," West concluded.