BILLERICAY Town boss Matt Jones has absolved AFC Hornchurch's former Southend United player Garry Cross from any blame for the accident that left the New Lodge side's midfield star Matt Game in hospital with a broken leg.

The two players were involved in a challenge that saw Game stretchered off, taken to hospital, and undergoing an operation yesterday.

He had a pin inserted in his leg after breaking his fibula and Jones said: "It was just one of those things that happen in football.

"The two players went in for the ball and 99 times out of 100 nothing would have happened.

"I know Garry very well. He's a good friend of mine and would never make the sort of malicious tackle that could harm an opponent.

"You can always tell from the reaction of other players. Mine are a close-knit bunch and if they had thought there was anything wrong with Garry's challenge they would have been quick to let him know.

"But not one of them went over to remonstrate with him. Garry was completely distraught afterwards and came over as soon as the final whistle sounded to find out news on the extent of Matt's injury.

"He was on the phone to me again the morning after to check the latest news.

"The only good thing from Matt's break is that it is to the fibula, the non weight bone, rather than the tibia."

Game is likely to be out of action until well into the new year and it's an added blow following striker signing Tony Boot's ankle ligament injury suffered in the opening game against Hastings United.

He faces a month on the sidelines, but Jones pointed out: "The good thing is that we have four or five players in our squad who can fill a variety of positions."

Even the two injuries failed to halt Jones's joy at starting the season in such impressive style.

After two games they top the table with maximum points, having followed up Saturday's 6-0 win with a 2-0 success at Bridge Avenue.

That win ended a run stretching back to November 18 last year since the Urchins, who won the Division One North title in fine style last year, were beaten in a Ryman League match.