Supports defenders (5)
I believe the answer is:
backs
I believe this is a double definition.
'supports' is the first definition.
(I know this)
'defenders' is the second definition.
(I've seen this before)
(Other definitions for backs that I've seen before include "delightful Cambridge area" , "champions" , "Supports or puts bet on" , "Defensive players" , "Reverses" .)