AFC Telford United’s pre-season preparations have been hampered by a series of early injuries – with midfielder Liam Blakeman the latest on the treatment table.

Blakeman suffered a nasty gash on his leg in Saturday’s 5-0 friendly win at Shropshire neighbours Market Drayton Town.

And, though it is not thought to be too serious, it does make the former Southport man a big doubt for tomorrow’s clash with League Two side Port Vale.

That is a frustration for boss Rob Smith, who was otherwise happy with what he saw from his side at Drayton.

“I’m not bothered about the score but I’m pleased with the application of the lads,” he said.

“We took it seriously and got the rewards at the end of it. It was a good 90 minutes and the only disappointing thing is that we’ve got an injury again.

“Liam’s got a massive gash on his shin. It was a ridiculous challenge in a pre-season friendly and it soured the day a little bit.”

New signing Matt Nolan made his debut up front for the Bucks, but the other two summer recruits – winger Steve Torpey and midfielder Tom Field – were both forced to sit on the sidelines.

“Torpey’s got an ankle injury and Field’s got an old ligament injury – I think the running we’ve done on the hills has probably found him out a little bit,” added Smith.

“They’re nothing too serious but we’re not going to risk them in games like this.

“Neither of them will be fit for Port Vale tomorrow, but hopefully both will be available for Saturday (the Shropshire Senior Cup final at Shrewsbury).”

Drayton manager Simon Line had no complaints over the result and declared himself happy with the workout for his side.

Midland Alliance champions Drayton were missing half a dozen first team players at the weekend and were never really in the game.

“The scoreline was a thumping one but objective No 1 has been achieved – they came off and couldn’t move any more so, in terms of fitness, it was a cracking workout,” said Line.

By CHRIS HUDSON