INJURY-HIT Shortwood United are down to the bare bones but joint-manager Alex Sykes insists his play-off chasing side are far from hamstrung.

Despite missing club captain James Coates, John Cant, Phil Veal, Tim Haddock, Lewis Sommers, James Singh, and Will Morford, the play-off chasing Nailsworth outfit are seventh in the Southern League West table and just three points outside the play-offs ahead of their trip to Fleet on Saturday, who are 19th with just three wins from 17 games.

However, their nine-game unbeaten league run came to an end in a 1-0 defeat at Evesham United last Saturday, but they bounced back with a 3-0 GFA Senior Cup victory at Bishop’s Cleeve on Tuesday.

“Despite all the injuries we’re in a great position and our next two matches are crucial as we’re playing two of the bottom three,” said Sykes.

The Wood did welcome back long-term injury duo Will Morford and James Singh against Cleeve.

Sykes said: “Morph and Singher have done a lot of good rehab-both will be involved on Saturday.”

Long-term injury casualty Coates hasn’t kicked a ball in anger and is now set to undergo an ankle operation next month.

However, Sykes is confident Sommers (hamstring) will return next week.

New signings James Lawrence-Forbes and Andy Smith should also be available after being ineligible for the cup game, but Hartpury College striker Joe White is out after picking up a shin problem.