SAM PARKER is the latest member of the luckless Malmesbury Vics squad to have suffered a long-term knee injury this season – and we are not into October.

Parker fractured his patella (kneecap) in the Buildbase FA Vase tie at London Lions on Saturday which had to be abandoned due to the seriousness of the injury after 60 minutes.

The Lions are a Barnet-based all-Jewish side who were champions of the Herts Senior County League last season.

Parker has since been operated on and has returned home. He won’t be allowed to drive for at least six weeks and is likely to be sidelined for the remainder of the season.

With regards to the other two long-term club injuries, Andy Baker is making good progress and it is hoped he will be back for selection in December.

Tim Bond had his second operation last Wednesday and although he is making good, albeit slow, progress, he will definitely not be back in the black and white of Malmesbury this campaign.

Buildbase FA Vase
London Lions 1
Malmesbury Vics 0
(match abandoned)
BEFORE the abandonment of the FA Vase tie between London Lions and Malmesbury Vics the visitors were more than holding their own.

Kieran Jones had the Vics' best chance when his low effort from 15 yards was well saved by the keeper.

The hosts' best opportunity of the first half came from the penalty spot when Josh Hughes was harshly adjudged to have made a push.

However, Adam Clatworthy pulled off a tremendous two-handed save on to the crossbar to keep the scores level.

The Vics went 1-0 behind in the 46th minute when the impressive Adam Burchell used his electric pace down the left hand side, rounded Clatworthy and scored from an acute angle.

The Vics rallied hard in the next 15 minutes and were causing a lot of problems from set pieces, with Ant Brown seeing a free header just whistle past the upright.

The final action of the game was Parker’s left-footed effort which came back off the post.

Unfortunately, Sam’s momentum saw him slide into the metal fencing and concrete surrounding the pitch which caused the injury.

The game will be replayed on Sunday, October 1 (4.30pm kick-off) with the winners going forward to meet Clapton at home in the First Round proper of the Vase on Saturday, October 21.