Cherries: Flahavan and Sheringham target first-team returns (From Thisisdorset)

Cherries: Flahavan and Sheringham target first-team returns

7:05pm Friday 8th March 2013 in Latest Sport By Neil Perrett

LONG-term absentees Darryl Flahavan and Charlie Sheringham are both keen to stake their respective claims for first-team returns after taking their first steps on the comeback trail.

Goalkeeper Flahavan and striker Sheringham lined up in Cherries’ Hampshire Senior Cup semi-final at AFC Totton on Tuesday, playing their part in a penalty shootout triumph after the tie had ended 1-1.

Flahavan, who had been sidelined for almost seven months with a shoulder injury, played the full game plus extra-time, while Sheringham, out since Boxing Day 2011 with a foot problem, was given a 45-minute run-out.

Sheringham told the Daily Echo: “Having not played for 14 months, it was nice to be out there and nice to pull on the shirt and boots again. It was just a case of getting minutes under my belt. I ran around for 45 minutes and got a nice sweat on.

“It was just a case of getting minutes in the bank and progressing to next week. The main thing was that my foot didn’t hurt either during the game or afterwards. I am fit and it is now just a case of getting my match fitness.”

Flahavan said: “Overall, I was pleased with how it went. It was a good run-out and very competitive. I was a little disappointed with the goal. It was a misjudgement but that will come in time when I have a few more games under my belt.

“I quite enjoy penalty shootouts. I just guessed correctly for the two saves and got lucky so was pleased with that as well. I have done pretty well during my career with penalties. We worked on them in training last week and it is good to get into the lads who take them to see what they are thinking.”

Meanwhile, Cherries have confirmed defender Stephane Zubar is set for an extended spell on the sidelines due to injury.

Zubar, who has been on loan at Bury, damaged his left knee during the Shakers’ 4-1 defeat by Notts County last month. A scan revealed he had ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament, ruling him out for between six to nine months.