Smalley Blow

DEANE Smalley's season has come to a premature end...

...after the Pilgrims' forward suffered a serious knee injury in training.

Deane, 26, has damaged both the cruciate ligament and cartilage in his right knee.

It happened last week in training, when the summer signing from Oxford United tackled team-mate Ollie Norburn.

Results from a scan at the weekend revealed the severity of the injury, which is similar to the one suffered by fellow Pilgrim Matt Lecointe last season.

Deane will now see a consultant with a view to having an operation in the very near future.

He is not expected to return to playing action before the end of the season.

Everyone at Home Park wishes Deane a speedy recovery.