CAPTAIN Phil Harries believes Derby AC can still escape relegation from Division Two of the British Athletics League, as injuries yet again took their toll at Kingston.

Derby finished last in their second meeting of the season, leaving them level on four league points with bottom club Southend, with two matches to go.

“We finished eighth, which wasn't entirely surprising to be honest, considering the numbers we had injured or unavailable,” said Harries.

“But we can definitely still avoid the drop. The last meeting is at Moorways, which you would expect us to do well at, so, if we can turn in a performance in the next match at Swansea, we'll have a good chance.

“But it's no good turning up in Wales and putting in a mediocre performance because there's no guarantee about the final meeting. We'll have to work very, very hard.”

Derby's squad was once again ravaged by injury and it proved crucial at Kingston, as they finished bottom with 220 points – only 22 points off sixth place.

The return of just one key performer would have made a huge difference but, once again, the club had to turn to its more inexperienced members to help out.

With several athletes “doubling up” by competing in two or more events to make up the numbers, it was always going to be a difficult day for Derby.

“I could give you a list of 15 athletes who we had out,” said Harries.

“Richard Weir and Simon Roper have both had operations and need more time to recover, Alex Pilcher is still struggling. Luke Gunn told me he couldn't race – which is exactly what I would have done in his shoes the week before the Olympic trials.

“Sam Worrall, we hoped, might make it, Jonny Gilby, we hoped, might make it – the list goes on.

“Even some of those that did compete had niggles. Matt Woolley, from Mansfield, had a bit of achilles trouble, so he didn't make the 100m and long jump but he did do well for us in the shot, discus and javelin.

“It was frustrating. Dave Smith, who's a triple jumper, also agreed to do the 100m, the long jump and the 4x100m. He came second in the long jump and was looking very good. Then he ran in the 100m and pulled a hamstring. He still came seventh but it meant he couldn't do the triple jump. I just hope he gets fit again soon.”

There were still some bright spots for Derby, particularly from pole vault pair Ed Mourbey and Dan Passey, who won the A and B events respectively.

“Dave Smith looked good, Richard Woolley did well for us in the javelin and his brother Matt did well,” said Harries.

“Callum Chambers deserves credit as well. His time doesn't look great but he was really ill and it took a lot of effort just to get to the finish for us.

“Tom Offord ran a sensible race in the 800m. He didn't chase after the leading pack, he used his head and came sixth. He'll be back.

“Marcus Francis was disappointed with his performance in the discus but he'll learn from it and he's another who'll come back stronger.”