Supports the defenders (5)
I believe the answer is:
backs
I believe this clue is a double definition.
'supports' is the first definition.
(I know this)
'defenders' is the second definition.
(I've seen this before)
'the' is the link.
(Other definitions for backs that I've seen before include "Levy of money" , "Supports or puts bet on" , "Gives support or one's blessing to" , "delightful Cambridge area" , "Defensive players" .)