Stortford defender should be fit for FA Trophy match

By Web Reporter

BLUES central defender Grant Cooper has a better than even chance of being fit for Bishop’s Stortford's FA Trophy third qualifying round tie at Ramsgate this Saturday (November 21).

The 32-year-old has been undergoing treatment for a badly bruised foot sustained two weeks ago and was at training on Tuesday.

Bishop's Stortford boss Mark Simpson rated his chances as 70/30.

If Cooper does not make it, Tom Champion is set to partner Stevland Angus in central defence.

Right-back Benn Nunn should be available for selection after sustaining a minor hamstring injury in training last week.

Simpson said this should take a week to heal.

Loui Riddle, who can play on the wing or up front, is also a doubt.

He is suffering from a groin strain.

Riddle, who has been dogged by injury since signing from close rivals Braintree Town in the summer, has also played with a small unhealed fracture in his ankle.

The club’s therapy team are hoping he will finish the season before it needs to be pinned together in an operation.

On a longer term note, midfielder Ben Bowditch faces surgery.

He ruptured his right anterior cruciate ligament at Welling on October 3.

The 25-year-old, who showed impressive form at the start of the campaign, probably will not return for about nine months.