RYAN Paddock's foot injury could force Evesham United into the transfer market.

Robins boss Carl Abbott admitted the centre-half had been "badly missed" during Tuesday's 3-0 defeat at Halesowen Town in an FA Trophy replay having sustained the problem in Saturday's opener. 

READ MORE | Report, player ratings & star man poll - Halesowen 3 Evesham 0 

Paddock had X-rays after struggling to walk on Monday and while they came back clear of any breaks, Abbott may look for reinforcements if his situation does not improve ahead of Sunday's home league clash with Willand Rovers (2pm).

"Ryan called me on Monday to say he couldn't walk," said Abbott.

"There was a meaty challenge on the halfway line and he thought he had fractured his heel.

"It turned out to be a bad bruise but we missed him badly in the replay.

"Hopefully he will be back but if not I might have to think about making an addition."

Abbott admitted Paddock's enforced omission, "fatigue" and United being outfoxed tactically had created the perfect storm at The Grove. 

“We started well in the first 10 minutes but after that they grew and we couldn’t figure out the puzzle,” he said.

“They played a lop-sided diamond in midfield and constantly had men over. We tried to adjust and then their full-backs got out so we couldn’t get control of the game.

“Sometimes you have to hold up your hands, we played a very good side and were in very deep waters at times but couldn’t swim.

“We were soundly beaten. There was no shortage of effort, we were just not good enough on the night.”

Matters were made worse by substitute Billy Howard’s straight red card seven minutes after coming on.

“I thought it was harsh,” added Abbott.

“The referee blew up for a foul, I don’t think Billy heard the whistle and maybe their lad did and held back a bit, which made it look worse.

“He got the ball but it looked heavy. It was a shame because it was his first exposure since Cinderford away and I thought he caught up with the pace of the game quite well.”

Attention now turns to Sunday and Southern League Division One South action against a promoted side that has found life tough to date.

“It is a blessing that we have another day to freshen up,” said Abbott.

“Tuesday was disappointing because a lot of our lads know their lads and I am local to Halesowen so you want to put on a good show but it is done with now.

“We have a collective goal for the season and our next three league games are vital to that.”