WE have got two weeks off until our next Nationwide North fixture against Southport -- but it's a pity it's not two months given our injury situation.

What I want is everybody fit and I'm hoping that this fortnight's break gives us the kiss of life in terms of getting players back from injury.

Hopefully, Mark Owen will be pushing for a starting place at Southport.

I thought his injury in pre-season was the biggest blow of all to the club. It's now a case of playing catch-up for Mark and getting games under his belt.

John Snape, Barry Woolley and Paul Carty are nearer to coming back too.

Last Friday's goalless draw with Alfreton was a fantastic point for us given the circumstances and previous run of results. We may have drawn half of our league games this season, but that was one we were more than happy with.

Players

We were not blessed with the football that we played at the start of the season -- we are not in the best nick to produce that -- but the players gave everything.

It was the best score in terms of a draw. We've been leaking goals and it was good to finally record a clean sheet and put a plug in the losing run. It is fair to say that both defences came out on top.

I thought the one good chance we had was when Adam Webster had an effort on the edge of the box in the first-half. He took a shot but was unaware that Leon Kelly was inside him with the goalkeeper to beat.

There were not that many chances in the match and it was very similar to the game against Stafford Rangers in many respects.

Last Friday's encounter was unfortunately marred by the injury to Aaron Kerr before half-time. It was a very unfortunate clash with the Alfreton striker.

Reflecting on the injuries to Aaron and Danny McDonnell, both have been self-inflicted. Carl Heeley went into Danny's ribs accidentally and with Aaron, it all happened from a back-pass that we shouted to be cleared away.

It's not looking good for Aaron. He has ruptured his ligaments and it could be 12 months before any assessment can be made on his future. It is a career-threatening injury and is tragic for the lad.

He has made a big impression with the club through his commitment and attitude. I think everybody at the club feels for him.

The search now goes on for another goalkeeper and I've not changed my view on the goalkeeping situation.

When Danny got injured against Hucknall Town, I said we needed somebody with a bit of experience, and that's why we agreed a deal to bring Aaron over from Northern Ireland.

Lewis Skyers is a capable young goalkeeper and will have benefited from the experience of playing against Cambridge and Alfreton. He was thrown into the deep end in both games and performed particularly well against Alfreton.

The fact remains, however, that it would be unfair to keep him in goal with little experience.

I was also impressed with Shabir Khan on Friday. He has not had a lot of football at this level but I thought his performance grew as the game progressed.