ACCRINGTON Stanley boss Paul Cook expects to be without three of his regular back four for tomorrow’s home game against Aldershot.
Right back Dean Winnard missed Tuesday’s dramatic 4-3 loss at Chesterfield because of injury, together with midfielder George Miller, and Cook fears both will remain on the sidelines this weekend.
The Reds have also lost left back Michael Liddle to a three-match ban following a red card for a tackle in midweek and the situation has been exacerbated by a one-match suspension picked up by central defender Toto Nsiala, who has collected five bookings in only eight games this season.
“With the games coming so thick and fast, George Miller and Dean Winnard have been carrying injuries that just become one too many,” Cook said.
“And unfortunately going forward to Saturday’s game the likelihood is we’ll be without Miller, without Winnard, without Nsiala and without Liddle.
“So as you can see right away we’re without four regular starters.
“The depth of squad can get tested pretty quickly, and at a club like ours it’s difficult. But we’re not here to make excuses, we’re here to go into games and for fans to recognise that we’ve done our best.
“If that happens, you don’t get criticism.”
Nsiala’s ban has been a source of frustration for Cook, who had already spoken to the player about the rate the 20-year-old picked up yellow cards during a loan spell last term – 11 in 18 matches.
“You’ll ask how can a lad have five bookings in eight games?” he said.
“Probably the same question I’m asking.”
Craig Lindfield could continue at right back with Lee Molyneux moving back from the left wing.
Tom Eckersley may make his first Football League start at centre back.
Stanley will face an Aldershot side managed by Dean Holdsworth.
Among their squad is Myles Anderson, who has extended his loan from Blackburn Rovers but was on the bench in midweek.
Cook has brought in Watford midfield duo Matty Whichelow and Piero Mingoia on loan this week and the pair made their debuts as substitutes at Chesterfield.
Stanley chairman Peter Marsden, who is based near Watford, helped to set up the deal via his contacts at the club and Cook hopes they can maintain a link-up with the Hornets and other clubs.
He said: “If we can get some olive branches out there and it brings younger lads in to learn to play the way we play, which we hope is the right way, and play on a pitch which is a credit to our club, which it is, then we’ve got a chance.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here