The young keeper caught his studs in the ground and after examination by club doctors it is feared that he could have damaged cartilage in his right leg. Whitfield had recovered from a virus to retain his place in the first team but the injury after the team sheets had been submitted forced Wrexham to request the referee to replace Whitfield with Kristian Rogers without using one of our substitutes. Kidderminster also agreed to the request and this allowed Andy Dibble to take a place on the bench although he was not fully fit to play.

Denis Smith explained to the Official Site: "The doctors have had a look at him and their first thoughts are not encouraging. He’s left the ground on crutches and we’ll have him examined in the hospital as soon as possible. If it is cartilage damage, then I would expect him to require an operation, which will obviously see him out of action for a good number of weeks."

Andy Dibble also expressed the disappointment for Whitfield saying: "It’s horrible for Paul and I’m hoping that his injury is not a bad as first feared. I’ve tried to talk to him and cheer him up, but he’s naturally very down at the moment. The medical people will do their best to help him, while Kristian and myself will assist him in everyway we can to get him back to full fitness as soon as possible." Paul Whitfield summed it up himself when he said: "I can't believe it!" when leaving the Racecourse on Crutches.

It got worse for Wrexham during the game when Brian Carey had to replace Shaun Pejic at half time when the Wales under 21 international felt affects from the virus that he suffered from in midweek.

Darren Ferguson's second half dismissal could also see him miss three games in January after the midfielder was sent off for violent conduct, which automatically carries a three match ban that will see him miss the games against Boston (a), Torquay (h) and Shrewsbury (a). Ferguson has just come back from a one game ban after picking up to five bookings this season and missed the first three games of the season from an incident at the backend of last season when he had a confrontation with a referee. This could see the planned hernia operation for Paul Barrett postponed, as Wrexham's only other cover is Steve Thomas with Waynne Phillips out injured.

On a positive note for Wrexham is that Dan Bennett will be heading back from the Tiger Cup after his adopted nation, Singapore, were knocked out this weekend at the group stages. Depending on flights the defender may be available for the match at Rochdale on Boxing Day but will be back for the clash against Shrewsbury on Sunday. 

Denis Smith on Whitfield's injury

If it is cartilage damage ... will obviously see him out of action for a good number of weeks