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A serious stoppage-time Faversham forward Jefferson Aibangbee injury overshadowed a long-awaited win against Lydd at Salters Lane on Tuesday.
Aibangbee, who’s on a season-long loan from Sheppey, was stretchered off in the 94th minute after what initially appeared a fairly innocuous collision with an away defender.
With the Lilywhites having come from behind to lead 2-1 in the Challenge Cup Second-Round clash, there was a lengthy delay before play resumed.
Perhaps fittingly, substitute Billy Bennett, who helped carry Aibangbee off the pitch, with some players unable to look at Aibangbee’s broken fibula and damaged ligaments, added a late third for Faversham.
Town manager Sammy Moore said: “We’re absolutely in shock and gutted for the boy.
“He has been outstanding in the last couple of games. Fingers crossed, it’s not as bad as it looks but it didn’t look great.
“As a football club and as a group of players, we need to get around Jeff and give him the support he needs, and that his family needs.”
Lydd offered their own messages of support, with director of football Mike Robbins saying: “We all hope that he (Aibangbee) recovers quickly - and wish Faversham all the best in the next round.”
Defender Calvin Sedenu, a former Faversham player, added: “Sending best wishes and wishing him a speedy recovery.”
The Lydders had already done the Southern Counties East Premier Division double over title favourites Town and led through Amin Gorgol’s deflected first-half goal.
But a brace by midfielder Sam Hasler, the second a stunning long-range strike, helped Faversham turn it around while the visitors had striker Luke Burdon and player-joint-boss James Rogers sin-binned.
“Sometimes, you start to think of them as a bit of a bogey team,” said Moore, who also had to take top scorer Stefan Payne off in the first half after a collision with goalkeeper Connor Collins. “Everyone has one.
“Obviously, we didn’t start very well but I thought we ended the game fantastically. We’ve got another three goals at home.
“We’ve changed our shape and we look solid, and we look hard to beat now. It’s a team effort and the substitutes, when they came on, they did brilliantly.
“Jordan Ababio and KC (Kieron Campbell) were constant threats all night.”
The Lilywhites visit Welling Town in the league this Saturday while Lydd host Corinthian.