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Injury keeps Nusum out of Trophy clash

Injured John Barry Nusum (left) will miss tomorrow's Friendship Trophy match against Dandy Town.

Key defender John Barry Nusum will be missing again when Wolves travel to St. John’s Field tomorrow in search of a second straight victory over the league champions.Wolves, just up from the First Division, gave themselves a tremendous boost last weekend when they stopped Town 4-3 in an exciting league match at Devonshire Rec. But travelling to St. John’s Field for a Friendship Trophy quarter-final tie will present a new challenge for the club who will be without Nusum again because of a hamstring injury.“He’s one of the leaders on the pitch, very much the general and coach on the field, so he makes it easier for me when he’s on the field,” said coach Don Vickers of the Bermuda captain. “He’s going to be a big miss. Hopte Burrows and Daz Simons stepped in (last week) and did a great job.”Like Flanagan’s Onions, who were promoted with Wolves at the end of last season, survival is the main priority, though a good cup run would do wonders for confidence.Wolves rode their luck last weekend against Town as substitute Vince Minors Jr notched a hat-trick, including the winner in stoppage time.Now the stage is set for an exciting clash on Town’s home pitch.“We haven’t played at St. John’s all year so I’m not sure how the ball moves on the field,” said Vickers. ‘We do try to play fundamental, good football so that might be a challenge in regards to how we look to impose our style on the game. Last week we didn’t play good football but still came out with a result so I’m hoping we will play a bit better and get a good result.“We’re trying to develop a culture of team and when you come in you do your job to the best of your ability. Hopefully, whoever comes in will step up and provide a good performance. One of the biggest challenges is maintaining our health throughout the season. We have a mix of older players and younger players and it is important that the older players maintain their health. Our main objective is staying in the top flight.”In tomorrow’s other Friendship Trophy tie, Flanagan’s Onions, who knocked out champions North Village in midweek, host Dudley Eve champions Somerset at Goose Gosling Field.Both matches start at 2.30, with Somerset Eagles taking on X-Roads in the opening Shield match at Goose Gosling Field at noon. Hamilton Parish clash with Prospect at Wellington Oval in the other Shield game, also at noon.