US Portsmouth goalkeeper could miss Wessex League promotion run-in through injury

The goalkeeper is currently sidelined with a back problem, and is hopefully going to have a MRI scan soon to determine the extent of the injury.

Teenager Damien Kelsall was again in goal for the 2-1 weekend victory at Whitchurch which kept USP eight points clear in top spot with eight games of the Division 1 season remaining.

More importantly, though, with the top four likely to win promotion, they are now 11 points ahead of fifth-placed Bemerton having played a game more.

US boss Glenn Turnbull was impressed with Kelsall’s display at Whitchurch following his showing in Tuesday’s 5-2 Portsmouth Senior Cup loss to Horndean.

‘Damo had an off-day in that game, but I was delighted with how he played on Saturday,; enthused Turnbull.

‘We don’t know how long Pricey is going to be out for, but I’m happy to go with Damo if needs be - I like the fact he makes decisions.’

Turnbul had attempted to see if Max Flintoft would return from Moneyfields, but the latter has decided to stay at Dover Road - and was rewarded with a start against Highworth at the weekend.

One Moneys player who is helping US’ promotion push, though, is striker George Root.

The dual-signed youngster grabbed a late winner at Whitchurch - his second goal in two games.

With Dec Seiden recovering from illness, Root started up front alongside Andrew Todd. He is likely to keep his place at Totton & Eling next Friday, as Todd will be in the Algarve with a Navy training camp.

After falling behind early on at Whitchurch, US levelled through Josh Hazell.

‘They had done their homework on us and had a gameplan,’ said Turnbull.

‘It was a case of grinding out the win. We got there in the end - eventually.’