Double blow as Martin and Coutts injured (From Dorset Echo)

Double blow as Martin and Coutts injured

8:45am Monday 6th September 2010 in

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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.”