NEW WESTBURY United manager Adam Collington has been forced to take matters into his own hands during his team’s opening week of the season.

With dual-registered stopper Alex Shaftoe ruled out with an eye injury, Meadow Lane boss Collington was forced to don his goalkeeping gloves for Saturday’s 3-2 loss at Welton Rovers and Tuesday’s 2-2 draw at Hengrove Athletic.

“At training for Larkhall on Thursday, Alex took a big whack to the eye and he wasn’t able to play,” said Collington.

“I tried and tried to get another goalkeeper but in the end, I had to go there myself - I actually did quite well and I’ve got a bit of a headache over what to do next now.

“We haven’t done too badly and I’m sure that we’ll give any team a game in this league.”

Mark Young gave United an early lead on Tuesday before the hosts’ George Saunders equalised almost directly from the restart.

Nathan Hallett’s low drive restored Westbury’s lead but after DJ Wheeler picked up a second booking, Kevin Shinn brought down Hengrove’s Sam Thomas, allowing Kyle Shallcross to level matters from the penalty spot.

On Saturday, goals from Matt Mead and Young weren’t enough to prevent Collington’s men from losing their five-goal thriller against Welton at Meadow Lane.

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