Graham Turner today revealed ensuring Shrewsbury Town arrive at the big League Two kick-off in peak condition was behind his decision to withdraw from the Joma South West Challenge Cup final.

Town booked their place in the final of the week-long tournament in north Devon with a 2-1 victory over Havant & Waterlooville in Saturday’s semi-final.

A final meeting with Premier League new boys Blackpool awaited yesterday.

But with a growing injury list and a home friendly with Coventry looming tomorrow, Turner decided that two games in 48 hours wasn’t ideal preparation.

That meant Havant took Shrewsbury’s place in the final, and they were edged out 3-2 by Blackpool.

“The sole consideration throughout pre-season is being fit for August 7 (Bradford at home) and two games in two days while we were accumulating minor knocks wasn’t conducive to that,” Turner said today.

“The limitation of only using three substitutes was a big setback.

“There were players we didn’t want doing 90 minutes at this stage — the likes of Dean Holden and Tom Bradshaw for instance who have just come back from injury.

Reluctance

“I wasn’t prepared to take a chance on players.

“I apologise if there is any disappointment for supporters who were down there but this tournament will be forgotten in a few weeks time.

“The ones we have met down here have been superb and it was a pleasure to see them down there in numbers supporting the team.”

Turner’s reluctance to risk his squad on Saturday was illustrated by assistant boss John Trewick being named as an unused substitute.

Striker Matt Harrold was amongst the casualty list in Devon but it is hoped he will have recovered from a badly cut eye to take his place against Coventry tomorrow.

Dutchman Benjamin van den Broek is doubtful with an Achilles problem.

Turner, meanwhile, is continuing his search for new signings and remains hopeful of adding fresh faces later this week.

No decision has yet been made on trialist goalkeeper Ben Smith, who played against Rushden and Havant while in Devon.

By JAMES GARRISON