Shirebrook Town are waiting to find out how long one of their most influential players will be out with a broken ankle.

Tony Starkey hobbled off the pitch in the Bank Holiday Monday match at home against Brodsworth.

He was left in some discomfort after challenging for a fifty-fifty ball with the Brodsworth striker, Ryan Malee.

It was a perfectly fair challenge by both players and with the ball having gone out of play, the game was restarted with a corner.

In a very sporting gesture, Brodsworth took the corner and put the ball straight out of play for a goal kick.

An operation on the ankle revealed that he had also suffered severe ligament and tendon damage.

It is still unclear whether the injury will end the career of a player who adds so much on- and off-the-pitch at Langwith Road although he is still adamant that he will be back playing soon.

All at the NCEL wish Tony the best with his recovery.