AFC Emley have been hit by another injury blow ahead of their FA Vase clash at Glasshoughton Welfare on Saturday as midfielder Marc Townsend was involved in a crash with an ambulance on the way home from their victory over Louth Town on Tuesday.

Townsend, who was travelling with fellow players Nick Reid, Josh Ingham and Gav Armitage, came out the worse from the accident suffering from whiplash and heavy bruising.

But, he was given the all clear to return home following a precautionary visit to Scunthorpe Infirmary. The other three players only received superficial injuries.

Townsend will be ruled out of the clash leaving Darren Hepworth's side lacking in midfield players with Chris Wdowczyk cup tied, Mark Stuart suspended and John Cyrus struggling through injury.

Key defenders Antony Leech and Judd Colley are also out leaving Hepworth with a selection headache.

Scott Holt made a successful return to the side following a hamstring injury and scored the opening goal at Louth.

David Heagney notched his eighteenth of the season in the game and Dean Wharam rounded up the scoring with his first since returning to the club giving Hepworth plenty of attacking options for the tie.

Hepworth is more than aware of the threat that Saturday's opponents present with the two sides having met just a week and a half ago with Welfare running out 4-3 winners.

"We know exactly what Glasshoughton are capable of - they are a good footballing team who play the game at fast pace and have plenty of goals in them.

"We are up against it with so many players out - Marc Townsend was figuring firmly in my plans for Saturday and whilst it's a blow to lose him for the game I'm just glad that he hasn't sustained a more serious injury.

"A huge positive though was the return of Scott Holt after a long spell out and his presence on the field was a great inspiration."

"Whilst the squad is going to be stretched for the game I'm confident that we come away from Glasshoughton with a result. A good run in the Vase was one of the main aims that we set out achieve at the start of the season and we will be looking to follow this through on Saturday.

"We worked hard for a great win in the last round at Liversedge and I'm looking for more of the same belief against Glasshoughton."