POPPIES midfielder Sean Leadbetter targeted a swift return to Wessex League action after sustaining a double leg break in an horrific incident at Victoria Park.

Leadbetter broke his tibia and fibula when he attempted to clear the ball against Alresford Town on Saturday, the former Ringwood Town man coming off worse after his left leg made crunching contact with the Magpies' Muhammed Nyang.

Rob Flooks had already headed Alresford in front but following the sickening incident midway through the first half, the Sydenhams Wessex Premier fixture was abandoned and Leadbetter was taken to Royal Bournemouth Hospital by ambulance.

The 31-year-old, a roofer by trade, was later transferred to Poole Hospital and went under the knife yesterday morning.

Leadbetter, who lives in Ringwood, has made just four appearances since returning for a second stint at Poppies.

The former Corfe Hills School pupil had been due to remain in hospital until at least today, with his estimated recovery time unknown at the time of writing.

Reflecting on the incident, Leadbetter admitted he had known straight away that his injury was serious.

He told the Daily Echo: "Their lad cut inside and I went to clear the ball but he was quicker to it than me. I caught my shin on his knee and straight away I knew it was broken. It was a bit floppy!

"Our secretary Pat Painter, Michael Cuffie and Fawzi Saadi were brilliant and I'd also like to thank the Alresford management team for staying with me because it took an hour for the ambulance to arrive.

"I've done knees, ankles and ligaments before but have never had a broken leg.

"There is nothing I can do about it now. I just have to deal with it and get back out there as soon as possible.

"I've had a lot of messages and wishing me well, which is nice."

Boss Ken Vaughan, who has taken a step back from first-team affairs this season, was not present at the game so his assistant Cuffie and player-coach Saadi took charge.

Nevertheless, Vaughan was saddened by Leadbetter's injury after a promising start to the left-sided player's second spell with Poppies.

Vaughan said: "When I spoke to Cuffie, he was absolutely devastated, like myself, at what had happened.

"Sean has been playing really well for us and I'm gutted for him. He has come into the club and made a big difference."

Meanwhile, Vaughan revealed Poppies had made attempts to seal the signature of Christchurch hotshot Luke Stone.

Former Wimborne Town hitman Stone has scored three goals in eight Division One appearances for Priory this term, including one in Saturday's 3-1 home win over Totton & Eling.

Vaughan added: "We've spoken to him. We're just waiting on a decision."

Also on target for Christchurch against Totton & Eling were Mark Claremont and Sam Thompson.