ONE of Leominster’s star players Josh Watkins is set to miss the all the fixtures over the Christmas period and will be a big loss in the heart of the midfield, as his midfield partner Ellis explained.

“He’s going to miss a few games for us," said the vice-captain. "He’s not back until after Christmas as he’s off travelling.

"He is a big part of the team so, hopefully, we won’t miss him too much.

"He plays the holding role which enables other players to go forward and play their natural game, chips in with a few goals and links up play well so it's a big loss, but we wish him well with his travels.”

However, captain Saunders is fully confident in the team to be able to cope without him, joking that Watkins needed the break.

“The pressure of hockey’s obviously getting to him, so going for a month in the sun will do him some good," he laughed.

"But, on a serious note, I believe that with the depth of squad we’ve now got, with the youth players stepping up, we will be able fill his position without a problem, or loss of performance in that role.

"He’s just part of the whole Leominster team, we don’t look at one individual making a team it’s about the team playing as an individual.

"Today, we dominated the midfield without him and as long as we keep playing as well as we have, then we won’t have any problems maintaining and improving on his position while he’s away.

"At this rate, he may struggle to get back in the starting 11 when he gets back.”