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Lions' Wood out for rest of season

17/ 7/2008

SWINTON Lions’ shocking run of injuries continues with the news that Phil Wood could miss the rest of the season after suffering a suspected dislocated collarbone.

As the Advertiser was going to press the Lions were assessing the seriousness of the knock he picked up in the defeat to London Skolars, but coach Paul Kidd was expecting the worst possible news as his side battled to keep their season alive.

Swinton have lost the last five National League Two games and, with six remaining, are falling behind in the race for a play-off place.

Furthermore, Lee McGovern suffered a calf strain in the mid-week defeat against Doncaster and is touch and go to be selected for the visit of Keighley Cougars on Sunday.

Also doubtful is Darren Gibson who took a heavy bang against Doncaster.

Wood, McGovern and Gibson join a long injury list, which includes Rick Jones, Rob Ball, Adam Bibey, Chris Tyrer, Barry Hamilton and Chris Morley.

Coach Kidd says it sums up their season, but is not making excuses as his side seek their first win in six. He said: "The Wood injury is a massive blow and couldn’t come at a worse time.

"We’re prepared for the news that he’s out for the season.

"He’s a big player for us and looked good against Doncaster too.

"That’s how it’s gone for us this year, we have not had any consistency in our line-up and that has hampered us throughout.

"But we can’t be making excuses because injuries are a part of sport and you’ve got to get on with it.

"We’re lacking confidence at the moment and the only way to get that back is to win a game.

"We’ve fought hard and I can’t fault the players’ effort - especially with a player down for the most part at London. But we’ve not made the most of good possession.

"We’ve got into good positions and not converted yards into points.

"Although they’re still in reach, we’re not thinking about the play-offs at this stage. We just need to start winning again and kick on from there."