LEE FOWLER doesn’t feel his players are being offered the correct level of protection from officials after another of his Flint Town United players suffered a serious injury.

Striker Elliott Reeves went off during last week’s Welsh Cup loss to Bala after striking a metal barrier and he will be unavailable for tomorrow’s big contest at home to Briton Ferry Llansawel.

Reeves joins Harley Brindley-Peagram as a further long-term Flint injury victim.

Florian Yonsian has also suffered a hand injury this season after a stamping incident resulted in him requiring hospital treatment.

Focusing on Reeves, Silkmen boss Fowler said: “He’s gone to hospital straight from the incident.

“He’s got a few superficial injuries to his face, his hands were ripped open and he’s got a slice across his knee.

“It’s 10 days before he can get back running. It’s a blow.

“That’s the third player we have had in hospital from physical contact that’s not led to a free kick or a booking.

“Officials are there to protect players’ safety and unfortunately I feel my players aren’t.”

There is no point in rushing Reeves back to action and Fowler added: “The cut is going to reopen up right across the kneecap.

“We have got to give him as long as we can.”

Brindley-Peagram remains out of action after he suffered a dislocated knee in Flint’s recent defeat away to Haverfordwest County.

It is not an ACL injury and following on from the blow, Fowler said: “Harley has dislocated his knee.

“It’s the best news we could have had within the horrible injury for Harley and us as a club.”

Giving an update on the latest situation, Fowler added: “At least he’s off the crutch now. He’s walking.

“He has still got a bit of pain.

“The initial feedback was eight weeks, but every recovery is different.

“We probably won’t see him until phase two.”

Three points could prove crucial for both Flint and Briton Ferry Llansawel tomorrow in their efforts to get clear of the relegation zone.

Flint now find themselves in the bottom-two and they are level on points with Briton Ferry Llansawel.

“Three points will be nice for both teams,” added Fowler, who says Ben Wynne is nearing fitness.

“Does it decide anything? No. It will be a high energy game.

“Their manager will throw the kitchen sink at us.

“Nobody will be sitting back.”

The big game at the top of the table tomorrow sees leaders Penybont making the trip to Park Hall to tackle defending champions The New Saints, who sit second.

The Saints were stunned in midweek by a 3-1 loss to Briton Ferry Llansawel.

Jasper Payne, Ellis Sage and Tyler Brock confirmed the home side’s third win of the season.

The New Saints, who had Jake Canavan sent off, replied through Aramide Jay Oteh.

Haverfordwest County will have home advantage against Bala Town tomorrow, while Barry Town United and Aberystwyth Town head to Caernarfon Town and Cardiff Met respectively.