New Shrewsbury Town striker Matt Harrold has suffered a pre-season injury scare.

The former Wycombe Wanderers forward was left requiring hospital treatment following a clash of heads in last night’s 1-0 victory over Rushden & Diamonds in the Joma South West Challenge Cup.

And manager Graham Turner has been left hoping the injury will not rule Harrold out of too much of the remainder of the pre-season programme.

“Matt was taken to hospital and it looked like he would need a couple of stitches,” said Turner.

“But we hope that it doesn’t keep him out for too long and it would be nice to think he would be fit to play against Coventry on Tuesday night.

“There are a few little niggles so we will have to see how they all are.”

Last night’s victory over Rushden at Torrington booked Shrewsbury’s place in the semi-final of the north Devon-based tournament.

Town now face Blue Square Bet South outfit Havant & Waterlooville in the semi-final at Tiverton tomorrow, while Blackpool and Leyton Orient meet in the other last four tie at Barnstaple.

The winners will meet in the final on Sunday at Bideford.

And Turner has admitted his side will have to be on guard against a Havant side which defeated Doncaster 5-0 earlier in the week.

“I have spoken to Doncaster and all five goals were set pieces,” said Turner.

“They are a strong side and to put five past Doncaster – irrespective of any circumstances – they must be decent so we will have to be at our best to get anything.”

Turner admitted his side were short of their best against Rushden.

“I was disappointed with a number of issues with our play,” he added.

“There was no disguising that but there were some mitigating circumstances (with pitch and weather conditions).

“It’s been a fitness exercise and what we need to do now is get on some decent surfaces where we can pass the ball around a lot better.”