MARK Ford has vowed to come back stronger after suffering a devastating injury in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Corby Town.

The young striker has broken his foot in three places and is expected to be out for four to six weeks.

Ford, who played on the left wing at the weekend, told Echosport: “It happened after a coming together with one of their players in the last couple of minutes.

“I played on until the end and then went to the hospital straight after the game, but they could not diagnose the injury at that point because the swelling was so bad.

“I then went back and spent most of the day there on Sunday, and that is when I found out I had broken a metatarsal, the side of my foot and my big toe.

“I was meant to have an operation on it that night but because it was still so swollen and bruised, I have now got to go back today.

“It’s so frustrating because the squad is not big enough at the moment as it is.

“We all played really well on Saturday and deserved the win but now I am going to be out for a while, and I am absolutely gutted.”

This is the first major injury Ford has suffered in his career but he is determined to bounce back from it as quickly as possible.

He added: “Previously, I have been pretty lucky with injuries.

“I think I have only missed one game since I have been at Weymouth, so for this to happen now is a big blow.

“I have been told I will be out for around six weeks but if the operation goes well I could be back in four. The injury has come at a time when I was really beginning to build up a good understanding with Jake Green down the left, but all I can do now is concentrate on coming back better and stronger.”

Weymouth player-manager Jason Matthews has also des-cribed Ford’s injury as a huge setback.

He said: “Fordy did a great job on Saturday and I am just disappointed for him more than anything.

“He is really keen and I have been really chuffed by his attitude of late, particularly after being left out of the side a couple of times.

“We have had no luck with injuries and illness this year, and it continues to show no signs of letting up.

“By the time Fordy gets back fit it is going to be towards the end of the season, and it certainly does not help in terms of numbers, which we are already short on.”

Simon Evans, Kyle Critchell, Jamie Symes and Dave Allen also remain long-term absentees for the Terras through either illness or injury.