Hot-shot Harris ruled out with broken back

Hampton & Richmond Borough striker Ben Harris looks almost certain to sit out the rest of the Ryman Premier campaign with a broken back.

Borough manager Alan Dowson told the club's website on Thursday night that the 23-year-old former Windsor forward, pictured, is unlikely to be seen in a Beavers shirt again until the summer after medics confirmed that he'd fractured a bone in his spine.

Dowson, who is now seeking a replacement to fire his side to safety in the Ryman's top flight, said: "It’s a massive loss, a big blow. We've been monitoring him closely over the past few weeks as everyone knows and because we thought he would be back soon, we didn’t look for a replacement.

“Now we have to, it’s a big shame because we know how good Ben Harris is – I honestly think he is one of the league’s top strikers.

“We have to take it on the chin and move forward. He will miss the rest of the season but it’s an opportunity for someone else to come in hopefully and take their chance."

Looking ahead to Saturday's visit by Bognor Regis Town, he added: “Saturday’s game against Bognor is a big one – it’s a crucial time for us and we need to pick our form up and get ourselves moving in the right direction.

“I’m looking for another forward player as we speak. If something comes of it, the supporters will be the first to know.”

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