Northern League: Jarrow and Boldon CA confirm injury blows

Kennie Malia has revealed Jarrow forward Ryan Hardie is facing a spell on the sidelines after picking up a hamstring injury in Saturday’s 3-1 win at Northern League Division Two rivals Park View.

The versatile forward had found the net just once in his first six appearances of the season as fellow attacking players Steven Siyanbola and Luca Nelson fired a combined 13 goals during the same period. But it was Hardie that came to the fore at Maiden Castle on Saturday as he fired an impressive hat-trick that ensured Jarrow extended their unbeaten run to a ninth game and remained in the play-off places ahead of their midweek home clash with Newcastle University.

However, the forward picked up a hamstring injury during the weekend win and Malia has described himself as ‘devastated’ over the news.

He told The Gazette: “It was great to see Ryan come back with a hat-trick - but unfortunately it looks like he could be out for a little while. He went through on goal to try and get a fourth goal and looked like he pulled his hamstring so we dragged him off. We thought it was just a knock but it looks like he could be out for a while. It’s devastating really, he comes back, gets a hat-trick and he’s flying - but then he’s been hit by another setback.”

Meanwhile, South Tyneside neighbours Boldon CA have also suffered a cruel injury blow after they confirmed defender Luke Grant will miss the majority of the season with a serious injury he suffered in a pre-season friendly with Horden CW. Grant will require surgery on an anterior cruciate ligament, medial collateral ligament and lateral collateral ligament injury.

A club statement released earlier this week read: “Everyone at the club is naturally disappointed for Granty, who has made a positive impact since arriving at Boldon and was looking forward to the season ahead. Everyone at Boldon CA Football Club wishes Granty the very best with his surgery and rehabilitation, and we look forward to seeing him back at The Villa in the future.”

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