SIMEON Akinola suffered a hamstring injury on his return to action for Southend United at Kettering Town this afternoon.

Akinola had to be taken off just before half-time at Latimer Park.

And Blues boss Kevin Maher is hoping the striker is not set for another prolonged spell on the sidelines. 

"It's a muscle injury," said Maher.

Echo: Injury blow - for Simeon AkinolaInjury blow - for Simeon Akinola

"He felt his hamstring as he was trying to take off to jump.

"He’s bitterly disappointed but fingers crossed it won’t be as bad as we first feared.

"He was due to play 45 minutes and it happened right before half-time but we will assess it and see how he is."

Akinola had not played since suffering a serious knee injury against Eastleigh back in October and was not offered a contract by Blues when his previous deal expired at the end of the season.

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>Match report: Kettering 2, Southend 2