MAURICE Welch has endured a frustrating first week back at the helm of Chickerell United.

Not only did the returning boss see Saturday’s Magna Dorset Premier League home game against Swanage Town & Herston postponed due to a flat battery but he has also had to come to terms with the news that he could be without Craig Roper for the rest of the season.

The influential midfielder was initially told that the leg injury he picked up at Hamworthy United Reserves on November 6 was only ligament damage but a second scan has revealed a break.

Welch said: “Craig has been on crutches for the past fortnight thinking it was ligament damage but when he went up to the hospital for another scan last week, they found out that he had actually broken it.

“It is very unfortunate for Craig and we are likely to be without him now for the rest of the season, or at the very least, until after the New Year, which is a big blow.”

Commenting on the postponement, Welch went on to add: “Swanage told us that the battery was flat on their team coach and they would not be able to make it down but the DCFA then said that was not a good enough reason and ordered them to fulfil the fixture.

“However, after letting all our lads know that the game was back on again, Swanage then called us up a second time to say they would not be travelling.

“I expect the DCFA will come down on them hard for that but at the end of the day it is just one of those things.

“Add that to the news about Craig, and it has not been a great first week back but hopefully it will improve, and all we can do now is move on and start preparing for the next game.”