Phil Parkinson was left angry and frustrated after a scything two-footed challenge added winger Ryan Colclough to a growing Altrincham injury list at Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday.
Barely 24 hours after signing a new 18-month contract, Colclough was stretchered off with what was initially thought to be a broken leg, following a challenge that went unpunished by the referee.
An improvement in his condition, as he awaits a scan, has raised hopes it may be ligament damage, rather than a break, but Parkinson was still fuming at having to count the walking wounded ahead of this coming Saturday’s FA Trophy tie with Chester at The J.Davidson Stadium.
"Like the players, I was unhappy with the challenge," said the Alty boss after his side’s fourth 1-0 away win of the season. "We have had a few of those this year, when you think of Sean Williams, Simon Richman and Toby Mullarkey.
"The lad went in two-footed, and I don’t understand what I’m seeing. You get pulled up for the littlest contact, yet some tackles like that one seem to be let go.
"Fortunately, we are showing we have the resilience to cope, but we do seem to be on the receiving end, and it is frustrating to have to count how many fit bodies we’ve got virtually every week.
"We will see who is fit and able to play for this weekend’s big FA Trophy tie, one we are desperate to win, but the squad is strong and deep, and that’s how we have managed to get by so far."
Skipper Jake Moult scrambled home the winner from close range, after a free-kick was knocked down into his path, as Alty briefly climbed into third place in the National League, Parkinson's side now fifth after Tuesday's results.
"Jake deserves more moments like that, where people recognise what he does for us, because it’s all about the team with him, rather than himself," said the boss. "He is completely selfless but so important to us.
"Our position in the table shows you reap what you sow. We are working really hard, and if we can maintain those levels and get players back from injury, we can be in and around the middle-to-top end of the table.
"It’s just important no-one gets too carried away - enjoy the moment, but don’t get too up when we win and don’t get too down when we lose."
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