Ely City boss Brady Stone says he was relieved to hear that Wisbech St Mary’s Danny Emmington had not suffered a serious injury after the defender was taken to hospital during the sides’ Cambs Invitation Cup semi-final on Tuesday night.

Ely Standard: Brady Stone says abandoning Tuesday night's game after an injury to Wisbech St Mary's Danny Emmington was the right call.Brady Stone says abandoning Tuesday night's game after an injury to Wisbech St Mary's Danny Emmington was the right call. (Image: Archant)

Emmington was rushed to hospital and treated for concussion and whiplash after clashing heads with Ely’s George Darling in the 20th minute.

The Robins were leading 1-0 at the time of the injury but Stone says calling the game off and ensuring Emmington received the proper treatment was the right thing to do.

“There was a throw-in down the line and both the lads went up for the header,” said Stone.

“I think Danny headed the ball against George and it caused his head to be flung backwards. He landed face down on the pitch and we didn’t want to move him in case there was any serious injury.

“The ambulance came within the hour and the game was rightfully called off.

“It had actually been quite a good game leading up to it, we had taken the lead and Wisbech had come to play but football doesn’t come into it when something like that happens.”

The Robins return to Thurlow Nunn Premier Division action this Saturday in a game that could prove to be pivotal in Ely’s quest to avoid relegation.

Stone’s men travel to Long Melford, who have hoisted themselves clear of the drop zone following a run of four straight wins and now sit three places above the Robins in 12th in the standings.

Ely themselves are five points clear of the bottom three after an impressive 2-1 success over Haverhill Rovers last Friday, but Stone is well aware that defeat could see his men sent tumbling back down the table.

“Melford were struggling earlier in the season but have won four in four and have shot up the table,” he said.

“We’ve got a couple of games in hand on them and a better goal difference so if we can go there and get three points then happy days.

“If we get a point then we’ll take it and keep trying to move up the table.”