Concord Rangers talisman Tony Stokes picks up worrying injury (From Basildon Recorder)

Concord Rangers talisman Tony Stokes picks up worrying injury

1:42pm Thursday 7th March 2013 in Sport By James Colasanti

CONCORD skipper Tony Stokes has been ruled out of action for tonight’s visit of Wingate after picking up a worrying ankle injury in Tuesday’s battling win at Enfield Town.

The Beachboys’ talisman was forced to come off midway through the second-half of their 1-0 win in north London and he later left Donkey Lane on crutches.

He tweeted on Wednesday: “In a lot of pain this morning. Lots of tablets and ice on the agenda today to get rid of this balloon at the side of my foot. #badtackle.”

Concord manager Danny Cowley confirmed the injury will rule him out for tonight’s game at the Aspect Arena.

He said: “Tony was fouled and he rolled his ankle. He will be out for the Wingate game, and is doubtful for Saturday.”

The loss of the 22-goal man is another injury blow for Concord’s play-off chasing squad, especially as it comes hot on the heels of a broken leg for his 19-goal strike partner Harry Elmes.

But it has been softened by the sparkling form of 26-goal man Jason Hallett – who scored the winner at Enfield – and a promising debut for Leon McKenzie in the second half of the game.

Cowley said: “Leon is a great signing for us. Harry Elmes is irreplaceable for us, but Leon McKenzie has got all the attributes you want.

“The only person who can stop Leon at this level is Leon, and his arrival has given our dressing room a massive lift.”

Cowley admitted it was a “backs against the wall” performance at Enfield and said he’s expecting another tough game from Wingate & Finchley, despite their lowly 17th position in the table.

He said: “Their performances since the new manager (Gary Meakin) has come in have picked up, and I don’t think they’ve got the results they deserve.

“But they got a good win on Tuesday (a 4-3 victory at Cray) and this will be another tough test, especially as it is our third game in five days.

“That run of fixtures is ridiculous really but we’ll get on with it, and our players will have to be tough enough to cope.”

Kick-off at the Aspect Arena tonight is at 7.45pm.