Internal injuries hospitalise Palmer

Palmer, pictured, arrived from Midland Football League outfit Coventry United in September and Valley officials are hoping the 21-year-old will make a speedy recovery after he broke three ribs and spent his first night in hospital in critical care after suffering internal injuries to his organs.

The EVO-STIK NPL First Division South clubs meet again at Butlin Road on Tuesday night to decide the preliminary round tie after drawing 3-3 and Town's opponents led the concern on social media, tweeting: "We offer our best wishes to Elliot hope he recovers to full health asap."

Others who've sent their best wishes to the club and player include AFC Rushden & Diamonds who tweeted: "@fcrugbytown our thoughts are with him and we send best wishes for a speedy recovery #footballfamily."

Valley vice-president Tony Mann told the BBC the centre-half was hurt during a first half collision with a fellow teammate, goalkeeper Louis Connor.

He said: "It was a 50-50 ball and one of their strikers was also going for it and Elliot collided with our keeper. It's upsetting... It just seemed a normal injury but a stretcher was brought and then an ambulance turned up with its lights on and you then realise the seriousness of it."

Follow us: @evostikleague on Twitter | Facebook www.facebook.com/evostikleague | The NPL Facebook Group www.facebook.com/groups/TheNPL/