SAM Darlow may not play again this season after suffering a horrific elbow injury in March Town United’s disappointing 3-0 defeat to Long Melford on Saturday.

Play was stopped for 30 minutes after the defender landed awkwardly following a tackle and dislocated his elbow.

An ambulance was called and he was taken to Peterborough Hospital, where he was heavily sedated before being allowed to leave late on Saturday evening.

His elbow will remain in a cast for the next six to eight weeks.

Hares boss Paul Crosbie said: “The loss is frustrating but in all honesty the result is not that important when a player gets seriously injured. That was my main concern.

“He was driving forward with the ball when the lad came in and tackled him. It was a strong tackle but it was not a foul. Sam landed awkwardly and you just knew something was wrong.

“You don’t want to see an injury like that. You could just tell from the way he held his elbow it was bad. An arm is not supposed to hang like that.

“It is the first time this season we have picked up a serious injury but I don’t want to use it as an excuse.”

Crosbie believes his side will bounce back from the defeat when they travel to relegation battlers Stowmarket Town tomorrow.

He said: “Forgive me for the cliche but we have been a Jekyll and Hyde side this season. When we are good we win but when we are bad we lose heavily.

“We should be confident because of the players we have.

“We have a decent record on the road and I have extreme faith in my players although some times they don’t believe in themselves.

“We will prepare the best we can and if we apply ourselves we should have enough in the tank.”