Graham Turner is concentrating on Shrewsbury's friendly with Coventry

Graham Turner has defended his decision to pull Shrewsbury Town out of the South West Challenge Cup final.

"It wasn't easy but with mounting injuries we couldn't make two games in two days and the organisers understood that," he told BBC Radio Shropshire.

"We explained our position to them and we left the competition on good terms."

Town withdrew after Saturday's semi-final win over Havant & Waterlooville, with Mat Harrold and Benji van den Broek the biggest injury worries.

"Both are big doubts for our friendly against Coventry (27 July) and we'll wait and see over Kevin McIntyre," Turner added.

"Jake Robinson has a swelling on his leg and Shane Cansdell-Sherriff has tonsillitis."

Early in the South West competition, Turner and some of the other Football League sides involved had complained about the three-subs rule in games.

"I'm told it wasn't the organisers' decision - they were told by the FA that it had to be just three subs," Turner said.

"But that really didn't take into account the requirement of clubs and players at this stage of the season."

The Coventry friendly is likely to see roll-on roll-off substitutes throughout the game.

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