SOUTHEND United goalkeeper Steve Mildenhall did not break his ankle in yesterday's 1-0 win over Hereford United.

The shot-stopper looked in agony after suffering the injury in the 72nd minute of the match of result.

And although an initial x-ray has confirmed there is no break in his ankle, Mildenhall is still fearing a long lay off.

"The x-rays have shown that there isn't a fracture which is better than first thought," said Mildenhall.

"The doctor thinks I have severely sprained my ankle and I am going to have an MRI scan tomorrow.

"It doesn't look good though as my ankle has ballooned up and I have been on crutches since the end of the match."

Despite the injury, Mildenhall still managed to play on and keep a clean sheet as Blues had no custodian on the bench.

And such bravery delighted manager Steve Tilson.

"Steve certainly showed his commitment for us there by playing on," said Tilson.

"It was another good performance and for him to carry on in such pain was great.

“It was a big relief for me too because it was the first time I hadn’t had a sub keeper and we were getting Alex Revell ready to come on.

“But Steve opted to carry on and full credit to him.”