Big blow: New Hemsworth striker Shane Kelsey broke his foot on his debut
Hemsworth Miners Welfare have been dealt a big blow as marquee signing Shane Kelsey will miss the start of the new Toolstation NCEL Division One season.
Kelsey has broken his foot after a “freak accident” during Hemsworth’s opening pre-season friendly against Willington Quay Saints over a week ago.
Having lost talisman Nick Guest to Farsley Celtic last month, the former Shaw Lane Aquaforce striker was signed as his replacement.
However, Wayne Benn is hopeful his side can cope without him.
“We’re obviously extremely disappointed because the last thing you want in pre-season is injuries, let alone to your main goal-scorer,” Benn told Non League Yorkshire.
“He’s the only high profile signing we have made so it is a real blow to everybody, not at least to the lad himself.
“It looks like he will be out for eight weeks so by the time pre-season is out of the way, he is probably going to miss the first five or six weeks of the season.
“I’m quite comfortable with where we are with options upfront. However, if there is someone out there who can improve us then I’d be obviously interested.
“The good thing is that if we can cope without Shane in those early weeks, what a boost it would be when he comes back fit and raring to go.”
Hemsworth also have defender Harry Viggers and new signing James Kioma on the treatment table.
Kioma played for Bradford (Park Avenue) reserves when Benn was their manager and he is one of several new recruits to Fitzwilliam.
Benn has moved to replace departed goalkeeper Jack Bentley with Doncaster-based Matthew Lees and former Goole and Skegness Town stopper Chris Snaith.
They will fight it out for the number one jersey in the next few weeks.
The other two signings are strikers Matty Roberts and Ryan Pleasants. The latter has played for Hemsworth previously, while Roberts has been on the books at Athersley Recreation.