THERE will be a collection bucket at Concord’s home match with Lowestoft tonight to raise money for Harry Elmes, who suffered a broken leg in their match with Thurrock on Saturday.

A red-card challenge on the 19-goal striker by Fleet’s Ben Walster caused the injury and saw the game abandoned shortly after half-time.

Elmes, who suffered a double break to the lower part of his leg, was taken to hospital and has been inundated with messages of support from the football community.

He tweeted: “Would just like to say a big thank you to everyone for all their kind comments on here, the support has been overwhelming.”

Elmes’ teammate and close friend Jason Hallett said on Monday that he remained in “good spirits” and was determined to complete his rehab so he could return to action with Concord.

“Everyone at the club will help him get through this,” said Hallett, who has previously battled back from a bad leg break to play again.

“I was out for a whole year with my injury and Harry is only 26 so he can come back strongly from this.”

Elmes has had plates put into his leg to help repair the break, and he also needed a couple of stitches where the bone had come through the skin.

He will be sent home to continue his recovery before returning to hospital on Friday for a cast to be fitted.

The Echo learned on Monday night that Walster had been left "really upset" by the injury to Elmes, and had asked Concord Rangers' for a contact number so he could apologise to him.

Elmes has been a key part of Concord’s successful side in recent seasons and his loss will leave manager Danny Cowley with a big gap to fill.

Concord occupy the final play-off place and tonight entertain a fourth-place Lowestoft side a place above them in fourth.

Both sides are on 44 points after the Trawler Boys were held to a goalless draw at home to Enfield Town on Saturday, while the Beachboys match with Thurrock was called off with the score at 0-0.

Elsewhere in the Ryman Premier tonight, mid-table East Thurrock will try to build on Saturday’s fine 1-0 win at home to Lewes when they host second-placed Wealdstone.

And in the Conference South, Billericay Town will look to bounce back from conceding a crushing late penalty winner for Bromley at New Lodge on Saturday, when they head to eighth-placed Dorchester Town.