CAPTAIN Jordan Stoddart is “quite confident” he has suffered no lasting damage after leaving the pitch injured against Ilkeston Town.

The skipper was withdrawn 63 minutes into the 3-0 victory due to a groin strain, despite making clear his wish to continue.

Assistant manager Ashley Vincent, in charge in the absence of boss John Snape, explained he had been heartened by Stoddart’s stance but felt obliged to play it safe.

“We are hoping it was a tweak and nothing more,” said Vincent. "He was quite confident there was no pull in the muscle.

“As everyone could see there was a bit of discussion as he came off but we didn’t need to take any risks, I was quite happy to look after him.

“That is absolutely what we want to see, though. That’s the hunger in the group and with us being on this unbeaten run, any boys coming out of the side know it is almost impossible to get back in.

“That’s a big factor in the lads wanting to put their bodies on the line when they are feeling aches and pains but we have to be sensible.

“It is the example and attitude I would expect from a captain but still, it is also very good to see.

“We were winning the game, they were a man down and I felt comfortable enough about the risk of pulling him out.”