CHRIS Wilder did not think the icy conditions at Accrington Stanley on Saturday contributed to the injuries sustained by Jon-Paul Pittman and Andy Whing, writes DAVID PRITCHARD.

The pair were stretchered off in quick succession during the 3-3 draw, which was played in freezing temperatures.

Pittman damaged his shoulder when he fell awkwardly after appearing to become entangled in an opponent’s laces.

Whing’s problem was harder to determine, but it was clear the 28-year-old was in pain from the way he went down after stretching for the ball in a tackle.

The pitch at Accrington Stanley was very firm and began to freeze as the game went on.

But U’s boss Chris Wilder did not believe it played a role in the injuries, which came either side of half-time.

He said: “I think if they had happened late on (it may have been a factor) because you could see it hardening up, towards the end there were a few people flying about all over the place.”

The loss will be keenly felt by both players, who have missed chunks of the season already through injury.

It was particularly badly timed for Pittman, who showed he was returning to top form with a superb opening goal on Saturday, his second strike in as many games.

Whing’s reaction was also a concern, from a player who has a tough reputation.

Wilder said: “You’ve got to recognise when he goes down it’s not for a dead leg, it has to be pretty powerful.”

The visitors twice came from behind in the final ten minutes to stay in the competition.

Constable, who took his tally for the season to five with United’s second goal, was pleased to find a way past in-form Stanley goalkeeper Paul Rachubka.

He said: “The keeper pulled off five or six saves that on another day go in and we get a result like we did against them at home (a 5-0 win). “I think when you’re that close to going out, it does almost feel like a win.”