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Injury puts Lindley's season in doubt
Story courtesy of Andy Parker - Burton Mail
James Lindley
Gresley Rovers boss John McGinlay was today awaiting fitness reports on on-loan goalkeeper James Lindley amid fears the Notts County player could be out for the rest of the season.
Lindley suffered an ankle injury after 25 minutes of last night's 2-2 Dr Martens Western Division draw with Cirencester Town at the Moat Ground to leave McGinlay sweating over his fitness.Said the Moat boss: "It was a gamble allowing James to carry on but he wanted to keep playing. We examined the ankle at half time and decided he was going to cause no further damage but it was swollen up like a football afterwards. I just hope it's a sprain because if it is ligament damage it would be a tragedy for him."
The blow tempered McGinlay's enthusiasm after another improved display from his side.
Said the Moat chief: "We stuck at it and I thought we did well considering James was severely impaired in goal. I thought the lads protected him really well."
McGinlay was less than complimentary about referee Brian Curzon, however, after the Hinckley official awarded a dubious second half spot kick, with the Moat chief insisting: "No way was it a penalty. I was expecting the player to get booked for diving. But the way the referee performed it was no surprise he gave it. He was a bit of a joke."
McGinlay was pleased to see Simon Tucker end his goal drought with the Rovers striker getting on the score sheet for the first time in five games.
Said McGinlay: "It was a great strike. The difference was that he took it early. Simon gets in good positions but too often he's trying a drag-back or step-over. You ask any keeper and when the striker takes it early they'll say they don't like it."
Rovers' congested end-of-season programme continues with a trip to Tiverton, who beat Rocester 5-0 last night, tomorrow with McGinlay set to ring the changes as Mark Peters, Matt Warren and Shaun Bedward all stand by for a recall, with newly signed keeper Mark Sheils set for his debut after being told by the Moat boss he would be playing before Lindley's injury last night.