Dave Hibbert injury blow for AFC Telford
AFC Telford United's National League North survival hopes have been dealt a blow after Dave Hibbert pulled his calf muscle on Saturday at Stalybridge Celtic.
The former Shrewsbury Town man was withdrawn at half-time of Saturday's dramatic 5-5 draw, after struggling towards the end of the first period.
It is the latest blow for the target-man, who has struggled with fitness all season.
His absence will be felt deeply by boss Rob Smith who has a thin squad at his disposal, despite praising his other attacking options.
Smith said: "Hibbo has pulled his calf so won't be available for a few weeks now. We're down to the bones in terms of numbers.
"We know where we are and we've got to get on with it and fight every inch.
"If we can show the sort of character that we did towards the end then we've still got a chance (of staying up).
"I think Connor (McCarthy) has been tremendous for us and he's just needed the goals, hopefully that kicks him on now. Josh (Wilson) is just a quality footballer."
Despite the euphoria as McCarthy and his team-mates leaped in to celebrate with supporters following the 94th-minute equaliser, Smith added another damning indictment about the club's current situation.
He thinks his current spell in charge differs from his first stint with the club, from 2006 to 2010.
On the late goal, Smith added: "It doesn't take me back anywhere, I'll tell you that now.
"This team and the club are in a mess at the moment and I can't get my head around what has gone on and I don't want to be anywhere near this relegation zone.
"You didn't see me cheering. Years ago I'd have been dancing on that pitch with them, but I'm down in the dumps about it."
