1874 NORTHWICH are optimistic that one of their most influential players will recover from an injury in time to feature in the Macron Cup final.

Taylor Kennerley was carried from the field during the closing stages of a 1-0 victory against Whitchurch Alport in a North West Counties League fixture at Barton Stadium last night.

Dylan Bath was sent off by the referee as a punishment for the tackle that gashed the wide man’s ankle.

“It could have been more serious,” said co-manager Wayne Goodison.

“There was a wound where their lad had caught him, and it was needless considering there was only a few seconds left in the game.

“Maybe it was borne of frustration, but it’s not something you ever like to see.”

The 21-year-old won’t feature in tomorrow’s encounter with Runcorn Town, 1874’s final Premier Division match of the campaign.

However Goodison told the Guardian he is confident Kennerley will be ready to face City of Liverpool at Altrincham next weekend.

One player that sit out the final is Mark Jones after he was dismissed for his part in a clash with Darren Campion.

The Whitchurch defender, responsible on his own for 20 per cent of his team’s cautions this season, was shown a red card too.

It means Jones will serve a suspension against the Purps.

Meanwhile Jack Pritchard continues to recover from a shoulder injury sustained during last weekend's draw with Charnock Richard.

He also sits out tomorrow's game along with Jack Irlam (ankle), who hasn't featured since the second leg of a Macron Cup semi-finals success earlier this month.