NEWHALL United could be without Scott Duggins for the rest of the season.
The hard-working midfielder picked up a nasty leg injury playing in the Burton & District Sunday League and is expected to miss the run-in for the Blues.
“He was playing on a Sunday and got hit with a terrible two-footed tackle,” said Newhall boss Johnny Smith. “It nearly broke his leg, I think, and he’ll be a big loss for us.”
Former Gresley midfielder Carl Slater has signed on at the Hawfields and will provide cover to the end of the season.
Meanwhile, the Blues suffered a first league defeat since September at the weekend when they went down 1-0 at home to Mickleover RBL.
Smith is hopeful of a rapid response – but reckons the end of a 12-match unbeaten run could lift some pressure.
“I think some of the lads felt under pressure to keep the run going,” he said. “Now it’s gone we can start to build a new one.”
Newhall host Wirksworth Town tomorrow, kick-off 3pm, looking to leapfrog their opponents in the Midlands Regional Alliance.
Simon Baldwin returns in goal and striker Stuart Ensor could be available.
BLUES FROM: Baldwin, R Greenhalgh, Foster, A Greenhalgh, Burton, Willars, R Draycott, Harris, Kilduff, McInulty, Potter, M Draycott, Slater, Ensor, Watson.
