MARCH Town United’s growing injury crisis forced desperate boss Jamie Weston to play his first game in four years last night.

Weston had to retire from playing when he snapped cruciate ligaments in his left knee. Three operations have failed to repair the damage.

But, the brave 31-year-old battled through the pain to help his side in the closing stages of their fourth consecutive defeat, a 3-1 loss at Thetford Town.

He said: “We were down to 10 men so I had to come on with eight minutes to go as I didn’t want it to get silly.

“I’ve trained once or twice since I’ve been boss but nobody comes near me and everyone looks after me. I don’t want to be playing but it’s how desperate it’s all become. “I can’t get around the pitch, or tackle, but I was an extra body out there. My knee is killing me now but my players have been putting their bodies on the line for us so it’s not a problem.”

Stu Anderson’s goal was scant consolation for the injury-hit Hares who could have more than 11 players missing for tomorrow’s game at Fakenham Town. March also slumped to a 1-0 defeat at home to Gorleston on Saturday.

Weston said: “Now I’m not thinking about who I should pick - I’m thinking about who I can pick.”

• Phil White’s reserves beat Waterbeach 5-1 on Saturday with goals from Vinnie Edwards, Mark Hampson and a hat-trick from Lee White. They host Great Chishill at the GER in tomorrow’s Cambs Junior Challenge Cup Semi-Final. Kick-off: 3pm.