Rodgers injury booster
AFC Telford United chief Rob Smith has been boosted by news that midfielder Carl Rodgers' suspected broken ankle has proved to be nothing more serious than a bad sprain. The former Colwyn Bay man was stretchered off after less than 20 minutes of Saturday's 0-0 draw with Burscough and taken to hospital for x-rays.
Having heard a crack as he went down, the 23-year-old, pictured, was convinced he had suffered a break.
But while he is now ruled out of tomorrow's clash with league leaders Matlock, he could be fit in time for the visit of Leek on Saturday.
"It's good news in the fact that it's only a sprain and there's no break," said Smith.
"He's obviously in a bit of pain and it's not weight-bearing at the moment so we'll have to wait and see how it goes over the next few days.
"It's just a question of whether there's a bit of ligament damage there.
"He's had the all-clear from the hospital though, and I wouldn't have thought he'd be out for any more than two weeks. He could possibly be back for Saturday, even."
Smith was pleased with the determined performance of his side at Burscough's Victoria Park - making light of several absentees to maintain their unbeaten record.
The Bucks boss praised the three-man defence of Indy Khela, Andy Jones and Dave Woodvine - playing as a unit for the first time because of injuries to Steve Pope and Richard Teesdale and the unavailability of Jimmy Turner.
"We were very disciplined considering the players we had out and it was another fantastic performance," Smith added.
"We showed we weren't afraid of them - we wore them down and grew in confidence. We were always wary of conceding one and at home we would have pushed on more, but I was happy to take the point.
"We did feel towards the end that we could go on and nick it though, and we had a few chances."