Shaw Lane boss Craig Elliott did not expect a late signing spree last week
Craig Elliott has admitted that he did not expect to have be ringing round for extra bodies for the start of Shaw Lane Aquaforce’s season last week.
Aquaforce won at Tividale on the opening day of the Evo Stik Division One South with three players who had signed for them 24 hours earlier.
Injuries to Stef Holt and former Barnsley defender Neil Austin along with the unavailability of Muhammed Sabo (holiday) and Sam Denton (suspension) forced Elliott’s hand.
In the nick of time, he was able to sign Louis Bruce (North Ferriby), Jonathan Wafula (Worksop) and most surprisingly Joe Thornton.
Elliott said: “It has been a difficult two or three weeks and I have never known so many injuries in pre-season.
“On last Thursday night, five defenders were out for various reasons.
“I had to get Louis Bruce on loan from North Ferriby and then sign a few lads in.
“It’s been horrendous really.
“I’m hoping it is going to get a bit better because Stef Holt should be alright for tomorrow and a couple more are coming back soon.”
Aquaforce welcome Romulas to their Barnsley-based campus tomorrow, a few days on from the 1-1 draw with Sheffield FC.
A second half equaliser denied Shaw Lane all three points and Elliott added: “I think I was happy with a point because I don’t think we were great.
“There are no excuses, but we are still bedding in new players and still have injuries.
“That’s my overriding thoughts from Tuesday night that we looked disjointed at times.
“The had a few chances and we hit the bar, but I would say a point was a fair result in general play.”