Holbeach United defender Jonny Allen sustained a broken leg during the Tigers’ 3-2 home defeat to Cogenhoe United on Saturday.
The incident – a three-way collision also involving Holbeach keeper Nick Conroy – happened early in the first half. It delayed the match for about half an hour as medical staff treated him and he was transported to hospital.
The injury – a broken tibia and fibula in his right leg – is a massive blow to the club as well as the player, one of the most consistent players and one of the first names on the teamsheet each week.
While with Spalding United last season, Allen spent several months on the sideline with a knee injury.
And last week he suffered a dislocated thumb in the 1-1 draw with league leaders AFC Rushden and Diamonds, but was able to continue playing.
The defeat by Cogenhoe United was a blow to the Tigers’ ChromaSport UCL Premier Division title hopes. With Diamonds’ match at Northampton Sileby Rangers postponed earlier in the day, Holbeach – who started the day second in the table – had hoped to move to five points from the top with three matches in hand.
Karl Bates put the Cooks ahead, but a Jake Duffy free kick and a Matt Nolan header had the Tigers 2-1 up.
However, two goals from Dan Thomason earned the visitors the points.
To complete a bad day for Holbeach, Yaxley beat Desborough Town 3-1 to go second in the table.
The Tigers’ focus now turns to the FA Vase fifth-round clash at home to Erith and Belvedere on Saturday (3pm).
