Banbury United suffer three injuries ahead of Exmouth and Leiston clashes
Kelvin Langmead is likely to be short on numbers for Banbury United’s next two fixtures after three injuries were suffered last Saturday.
The Puritans were frustrated enough to draw 0-0 in their FA Cup first round qualifying replay against Exmouth Town, prompting a 380-mile round trip for a replay on Wednesday night.
But Banbury’s woes were dampened further by the fresh injury blows, all of which were inflicted in the first half of last weekend’s bore draw.
Tricky winger Joel Anker was the first to go off as he felt pain related to a recurring problem, whereas last season’s top scorer Connor Ferguson pulled up soon after.
There was a head injury for central defender Oran Jackson, too, and concussion protocols mean he could miss one or two matches.
“We had three injuries today, all within the first 45 minutes; that’s what we have a bench for, to be ready to come on,” Langmead confirmed to Puritans Live.
“Joel has had an ongoing issue with his ankle. Sometimes it feels fine but it’s one of those where all it takes is a little roll and it causes problems.
“Fergie’s is a hamstring, so that’s probably a bit longer. And then OJ got the whack on the head and was feeling nauseous at half time.”
Langmead already wanted to add new signings following a disappointing start to the season, so these injuries will only speed up that process.
On his squad being stretched, Langmead added: “It’s tough at the moment but this is where you have to stand up and be counted, and that’s all of us. We’ve got to find a way through it.”