Hatters face Howells dilemma after Kidderminster triumph

The energetic midfielder missed Tuesday night’s 2-0 win at Kidderminster as he was away on international duty and was due to play Armenia last night.

A delighted Town boss Paul Buckle admitted the midweek performance has eased any pressing need for new signings and has also endangered Howells’ starting spot.

Buckle said: “People like Howells who are away are going to find it difficult to get back in.”

Regarding any further arrivals, he continued: “No, not at the moment. Numbers-wise yes, we’ve still got to look at it.

“The picture changes and the picture’s changed dramatically again.

“These players were bang on it, on-form, they’ve got the shirt.”

With Danny Spiller and James Dance long-term absentees and Garry Richards sidelined, the potential loss of Adam Watkins has also been problematic.

Buckle said: “His foot’s a bit sore at the moment.

“He’s been in and out of training. It’s been tough actually.

“I think all we had over was young Charlie Smith and (Jake) Woolley and that’s about it.

“We’ve got the bare minimum at the moment so we will have to have a look at that.”

On the challenge posed by a third game in six days, Buckle continued: “There’s no time for rest at the moment, we’ll be in again in the morning to prepare, leave on Thursday for the game and be right, it’s as simple as that.

“We can’t affect the fixture list and the ways they do it.

“It’s pretty crazy as I said on Saturday, but at the same time when you’re winning you can’t wait for the next game.”

Skipper Ronnie Henry was also buoyed by the victory and knows they must again be on their game at Hyde to keep pace at the top.

He added: “People take great confidence from a 2-0 win away from home.

“If we can get a result there on Friday night that will see us right up there and where we want to be.

“We want to be up there in the league from the start so we will go there full of confidence and to get the three points.”

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