JASON Matthews is hopeful that Chris Shephard’s neck injury sustained against Bideford on Saturday is not too serious, and won’t rule him out of action for next weekend’s league clash with Redditch United.

With the Terras’ scheduled encounter against league leaders Poole Town postponed due to the Dolphins’ cup replay with Bath City on Tuesday, Shephard has a week to get himself right after coming off injured during Saturday’s win in the FA Cup.

Matthews told Echosport: “I have goals from all over the park but losing Shep as our creative playmaker was disappointing, but hopefully he will be back for Saturday and we move on.

“He has hurt his neck, we have had it checked out and it’s nothing major so it should be fine.”

Commenting on the game itself, Matthews admitted his side weren’t at their level best, but was pleased to march on in the competition.

“It’s really pleasing to get through,” he added.

“I felt we were a little bit lacklustre but it’s all about getting the result and we are in the hat for the next round.

“It wasn’t a game for the purist but, in saying that, I felt we carved them open and scored four really good goals. Other than that it was a very bitty and scrappy game.

“We can leave ourselves a little open at times but that’s the gamble we take when we play at home and, fortunately, we are outscoring teams at the minute.”