WOOFFERTON boss Phil Evans threw down the gauntlet to his injury-hit squad after Saturday’s 3-1 victory over Hereford City left second place “there for the taking”.

Luke Pugh’s second-half double set the Blues on their way and although City halved the deficit, an own goal sealed a precious victory which closed to 11 points the gap to second with three games in hand.

That was in spite of Will Prince (shin splints) and Richard Moore (ankle) joining Jak Lewis and Jack Pound on the treatment table but Evans believes his walking wounded still have enough in reserve to mount a late challenge.

“It was hard going and a battle from the first minute to the last,” said Evans. “We came out of it with two injuries, it was quite physical but the lads put in a good shift.

“Morale in the side is very good and we are starting to see what might have been with the benefit of having plenty of players to choose from all season. Personally, I believe we would have been top.

“If we carry on playing like we have been and some of the injured players return, we have a damn good chance of getting second.

“I feel we have enough in the squad to cover absences. We still have problems with lads having to work but now we are capable of putting out a decent side under most circumstances.

“I told them on Saturday the result had placed it all in their hands. We have to step up because if they want it, second spot is there for the taking.”

Sixth-placed Woofferton’s prospects would have been even brighter had they not suffered a three-point penalty for failing to fulfil a fixture against Ledbury Reserves in November.

“That knocked us back big style,” added Evans. “We would be in a far better position if that hadn’t happened but what can you do? If people are working, it cannot be helped.

“I have always told the players that their jobs and families come first. I just hope the lads carrying injuries can get back before the end of the season.”

Goalkeeper Dan Coleman is a recent recruit and Evans is looking to add more fresh faces to keep things ticking over. “Hopefully, we will sign another three,” he added. “They are interested so we will see how they progress at training. It is looking good for the future.”

Orleton Colts Reserves have just three games left to register their first points this season after a 2-1 home defeat to their Ledbury counterparts. Stuart Skidmore’s strike for the hosts was not enough as goals from Nick Bolton and Patrick Morgan proved decisive.

In the Premier Division, Orleton’s first team had their eight-match winning streak ended by a 3-2 defeat at Holme Lacy.

Martyn Ziemann and Toby Siviter each bagged braces with player-manager Dan Dawson also on the score sheet as Bishop’s Castle won 5-0 at Waterloo Reserves in Montgomeryshire League Division Two, maintaining a 100 per cent record from 12 matches.