SINKUMS captain Danny Gagg’s next game could be his last, says boss Barry Hopkins, writes Chris Plant.

Gagg has been a fixture for Sinkums since taking the armband, but is set to leave the club and re-locate to Peterborough at the end of February due to work commitments.

But Hopkins is confident that recent recruit Dale Lewis can be a worthy replacement.

Hopkins said: ‘Losing Danny will be a blow. He was out injured last season and we lost points then.

“But Lewis has played at, arguably, a higher level in London, so we know he is capable of playing at this level.

“He has made two appearances for us so far, but I’m now looking to him to step up and replace Danny. I’ve got faith in him.”

Sinkums will be hoping Lewis has a positive impact, as recent poor results have seen them knocked off the top of the table, dropping to third in the Herefordshire League Premier Division.

Hopkins said: ‘We’ve lost two on the bounce and dropped some massive points. Both games were tight affairs and our luck just wasn’t there.

“I’m completely proud of the players and feel they have a lot more to offer, this group can be unbelievable.

“We have a lot of players with pace and skill, and if they had believed in themselves more I think we could have walked away with the league by now, but that’s still our challenge.”

Hopkins also believes the weather has contributed to recent results.

He said: “The snow has meant we haven’t been able to train for eight or nine weeks now, and complacency can creep in when that happens and players can lose some of their drive.

“We need good football pitches to play our game, so the weather is taking its toll. But if we can get training again and keep the team fit then this will help results, and we could still win the league.”

However, Wellington playermanager Nick Panniers believes his side can mount a serious bid for the league title, having now gone top after beating Sinkums.

He said: “Sinkums are a decent side and have surprised me in their debut season. But we were the much better side and deserved the win.

“With players coming back we have a settled side. I’m quietly confident we can win the league.”