Onochie blow

Nov 19 2008 By John Whitbread, Staines News

Staines Town have been rocked after leading marksman Elliot Onochie was ruled out for up to eight weeks with two cracked ribs.

Onochie, with 12 goals so far, suffered the injury in Saturday's 2-1 victory over third-place Tooting & Mitcham.

The powerful hitman, who is a doctor by day, suffered his injury in a sickening 75th-minute collision.

He was stretchered off to a waiting ambulance, but refused to go to hospital after undergoing several tests.

Although he would not confirm if he is to bring in an immediate replacement, manager Steve Cordery did reveal he is involved in negotiations with potential new signings.

"One or two clubs have been on the phone offering loan players, but I have a budget that I have to stick to," said Cords.

"Of course losing Elliot for two months is a real blow, but we have been through tough times like this before and we will do so again."

Marc Charles-Smith is Cordery's only recognised striker for the Swans next game at Margate on Saturday week as Richard Butler is suspended.

However, one candidate ready to fill the void is Guyanan international Howard Newton, who returned last week brimming with confidence after playing three matches, with his brother Jake, in the Caribbean Cup.

He said: "I usually play out wide, or just in behind the main strikers, but if the boss asked me to do the job I would be more than willing to give it a go up front.

"I played there in a pre-season game and enjoyed it, and anything I can do to help us keep winning has to be a good thing.

"Playing for my country in an international competition has given me a terrific boost and I am really straining at the leash now."

Meanwhile, Swans' centre-back Lee Kersey is hoping to have the scan results on his injured knee this week, while Darti Brown is recovering more quickly than expected from an Achilles injury, and could be in contention for the Margate game.

Elsewhere, out-of-favour midfielder Davis Haule, who moved to Wheatsheaf Park this summer, has joined Ryman Premier rivals Wealdstone on loan.