AFC Telford hit by Blakeman blow

Liam Blakeman (middle) celebrates scoring for Telford

Liam Blakeman has been ruled out of AFC Telford United's friendly with Port Vale and the Shropshire Cup final against county rivals Shrewsbury Town.

The midfielder was carried off in the Bucks' opening friendly at Market Drayton with a badly gashed shin.

"It was X-rayed as a precaution, but I think he'll be out for 10 days or so," said assistant boss Larry Chambers.

Phil Trainer, Danny Carey-Bertram, Carl Rodgers, Steve Jagielka and an own goal saw Telford beat Drayton 5-0.

"The game was a good run-out, but we need stronger opposition - and Port Vale (14 July) and Shrewsbury (18 July) fit the bill," Chambers told BBC Radio Shropshire.

Chambers added that he and manager Rob Smith are still keeping an eye out for a left-back to replace James Meredith, who has moved to York.