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Double blow as Martin and Coutts injured
by
Ky Capel
Dorchester Town may seek reinforcements this week after seeing both
Neil Martin and James Coutts stretchered off during Saturday’s
2-0 defeat at Chelmsford City.
Full-back Martin sustained a hamstring injury while midfielder
Coutts suffered a “severe blow” to his ankle.
Both left the field of play with the Blue Square Bet South encounter
deadlocked at 0-0.
But the Clarets went on to net two late goals, courtesy of super
sub Sam Higgins, and condemn the rock-bottom Magpies to a fifth
loss of the campaign.
Martin could be sidelined for up to six weeks but the extent of
Coutts’ injury is yet to be determined.
Assistant-boss Phil Simkin said: “We held Chelmsford for
the best part of 80 minutes but the two injuries we had changed
the game for us.
“Neil has pulled his hamstring while James took a severe
blow on his ankle.
“It looks like Neil’s hamstring has gone and if that’s
the case then he’ll be out for four to six weeks.
“We’re not quite sure how bad James’ injury is
yet but we should know once it settles down.
“Neil had been doing extremely well and it’s a blow
both for him and for us. The same goes for James as he too has been
playing exceptionally well.
“Both are injuries we could do without as our squad isn’t
big enough to deal with serious injuries, especially when two happen
at the same time.”
The Magpies currently have three players out on loan in the form
of Jake Smeeton, Harry Nodwell and Harry Montacute.
However, Simkin is unsure whether the club can recall any of the
trio before their one-month spells expire.
Therefore, Dorchester may have to bring in at least one new face.
Simkin added: “All our players out on loan are with their
clubs for set time spells so that’s something we will have
to talk about.
“We will look at trying to bring someone back or bring someone
else in this week.”
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