swindonseagull
Well-known member
http://www.thisisstfc.co.uk/News_Headlines_Story.asp?NewsID=3171
Mindless!
18th May 2004
DAVID DUKE has launched a blistering attack on Brighton striker Leon Knight after learning that the striker’s ‘needless’ challenge has scuppered his chances of playing in Thursday’s crucial play-off clash at the Withdean Stadium.
The only shred of consolation for the Scotsman is that X-rays have revealed his damaged right ankle isn’t broken.
Duke was left in agony on Sunday after the Seagulls’ diminutive forward clattered into him on the left touchline just before the interval.
The 25-year-old’s ankle took the full force of the late challenge and he immediately feared the worst.
He said: “My first thought was that it was broken. I was in a lot of pain.
“I was gutted, distraught and very, very angry. I still am to be honest.
“I thought I’d been doing okay and their midfield wasn’t really frightening us in any way.
“ I tried to carry on at the start of the second half but it was no good.
“ I couldn’t run or jump so I had to come off.”
The damaged ankle has been examined, both inside and out, and although there is no break, the bruising and swelling means Duke has absolutely no chance of making the second leg.
He said: “The reason I’m so annoyed with him (Knight) is that there was no need for the challenge.
“I had tracked back, got to the ball first and then he’s come right through the back of me.
“It was totally needless. I am not happy with him at all. He should have been sent off.”
Duke is under strict orders not to put any weight on the ankle for at least 48 hours and his role at Brighton on Thursday will be that of a spectator.
Despite his personal anger, frustration and disappointment, Duke is confident his colleagues can see off the Seagulls and progress to the Millennium Stadium.
He said: “We have won convincingly away from home on several occasions this season, and there’s no reason why we can’t do it again.
“Brighton are the ones under pressure while we’ve got nothing to lose.”
Duke’s absence leaves manager Andy King with an unwanted selection headache.
However, Grant Smith earned praise for his contribution on Sunday, having replaced Duke, and could be rewarded with a start at Brighton, the club famously associated with his father.
Not so much a case of ‘and Smith must score’ as ‘Smith might start’.
Fewer than 80 tickets remain for Thursday’s play-off semi-final second leg at Brighton.
Any tickets remaining at close of business today will go on general sale to supporters at 9am tomorrow.
Mindless!
18th May 2004
DAVID DUKE has launched a blistering attack on Brighton striker Leon Knight after learning that the striker’s ‘needless’ challenge has scuppered his chances of playing in Thursday’s crucial play-off clash at the Withdean Stadium.
The only shred of consolation for the Scotsman is that X-rays have revealed his damaged right ankle isn’t broken.
Duke was left in agony on Sunday after the Seagulls’ diminutive forward clattered into him on the left touchline just before the interval.
The 25-year-old’s ankle took the full force of the late challenge and he immediately feared the worst.
He said: “My first thought was that it was broken. I was in a lot of pain.
“I was gutted, distraught and very, very angry. I still am to be honest.
“I thought I’d been doing okay and their midfield wasn’t really frightening us in any way.
“ I tried to carry on at the start of the second half but it was no good.
“ I couldn’t run or jump so I had to come off.”
The damaged ankle has been examined, both inside and out, and although there is no break, the bruising and swelling means Duke has absolutely no chance of making the second leg.
He said: “The reason I’m so annoyed with him (Knight) is that there was no need for the challenge.
“I had tracked back, got to the ball first and then he’s come right through the back of me.
“It was totally needless. I am not happy with him at all. He should have been sent off.”
Duke is under strict orders not to put any weight on the ankle for at least 48 hours and his role at Brighton on Thursday will be that of a spectator.
Despite his personal anger, frustration and disappointment, Duke is confident his colleagues can see off the Seagulls and progress to the Millennium Stadium.
He said: “We have won convincingly away from home on several occasions this season, and there’s no reason why we can’t do it again.
“Brighton are the ones under pressure while we’ve got nothing to lose.”
Duke’s absence leaves manager Andy King with an unwanted selection headache.
However, Grant Smith earned praise for his contribution on Sunday, having replaced Duke, and could be rewarded with a start at Brighton, the club famously associated with his father.
Not so much a case of ‘and Smith must score’ as ‘Smith might start’.
Fewer than 80 tickets remain for Thursday’s play-off semi-final second leg at Brighton.
Any tickets remaining at close of business today will go on general sale to supporters at 9am tomorrow.
