Adding Injury to Injury

Reuben Reid’s first-half stoppage time strike was cancelled out by Jack Redshaw seven minutes after the break, in an afternoon at Home Park that was frustrating in more ways than one.

During the opening 45 minutes, Luke McCormick came out of a scramble with a Shrimps’ striker holding his left hand and in visible pain. Luke played on after receiving treatment of the field from club physio Paul Atkinson on the field, but had to be replaced by James Bittner for the second half.

The Devizes-born shot-stopper could only watch on during the Morecambe equaliser which saw Redshaw find space in the six-yard box during a corner, and Sheridan has no problem with Bittner playing in place of ‘Super Luke’.

“He did not have a lot to do, really,” said John. “Obviously it is always difficult, for keepers especially, coming on at half time. He was probably not expecting to get on.

“I do not think he had much of a chance with the goal. I will have to see the goal again. If Luke is in a serious way, obviously Bitts will be involved in the next few games.”

The first half also saw Kelvin Mellor go down injured, clutching his shoulder whilst writhing on the ground, but not for the first time this season the wing-back soldiered on whilst carrying a knock.

“I think Kelvin had a jab at half time,” said his manager. “Kelvin was struggling again, and he has done well to stay on.

“I think he got pushed. As Kelvin’s running, I think the lad’s deliberately pushed him and he has landed on it [his shoulder]. I could tell with the way he was holding it – he is in a bit of pain.

“We are just getting these injuries at the moment, and there’s not a lot we can do about it. Luke tried to stay on but I don’t think he was really right. Unfortunately Luke was in too much pain to carry on.”

The two injuries will be assessed over the coming days, as Kelvin and Luke join other sidelined Pilgrims in a race to be fit for next week’s visit to Hartlepool United.

“Tyler [Harvey] won’t train – he’s got a bad knock on his leg. Peter [Hartley] is pushing to try and be involved for next week, possibly Dom [Blizzard] as well,” said Sheridan.

“We need all the bodies we can get. We need to get everyone fit and pushing each other for a place in the side.”