Sidley rocked by Spice injury

Danny Spice is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after breaking the tibia in his right leg where it attaches to the ankle.

Sidley manager John Lambert said: “We’re going to miss his leadership. He’s one of the top players in the county, he’s Ryman (League) standard. It’s going to be a blow for us, he’s been playing so well.”

Spice suffered the injury in the second half of Sidley’s victory at home to AFC Uckfield in FA Vase first round qualifying on Saturday when he and opponent Jack Divall slid in for a loose ball in the centre circle.

“It was a 50-50, both went for it and both got a bit of each other really,” continued Lambert.

“The way Dan is he doesn’t back away, but unfortunately he’s come off worse.”

The fully committed central defender was carried off and taken to hospital. He underwent an operation to have two screws inserted on Sunday morning and left hospital on Monday.

Spice, who skippered Sidley to four wins and four clean sheets in their first four league games, has been told not to put weight on the leg for six weeks and it will be in plaster for the same length of time.

A self-employed bricklayer, Spice will obviously be unable to work for some time. The club has decent insurance against such injuries and hopes to get some help from the Sussex County FA benevolent fund.

Sidley are also likely to hold a collection during their Sussex County League Division One match at home to second-placed Pagham, who have won all six of their league games so far, on Saturday.

See tomorrow’s Bexhill Observer for the full article.