NON LEAGUE: BERNARD Mensah is staying positive that the horror tackle that ended his involvement in Braintree Town’s Skrill Premier game against Lincoln City won’t bring a premature close to his time at the Iron.

The Watford striker is due to be at the Amlin Stadium on loan until the end of the season, but a tackle from the Imps’ Tom Miller during Lincoln’s 2-0 win on Tuesday – described by Iron boss Alan Devonshire as “horrendous” and “scandalous” – saw the Hornets youngster limp off.

He left the ground on crutches with a suspected dislocated kneecap and was due to see the Watford club doctor yesterday, with a scan on his knee due to be done today.

Devonshire said he would be surprised to see Mensah back in action this season, but the loanee was hopeful that he could return to Braintree, even if it wouldn’t be for tomorrow’s visit by Aldershot Town to the Amlin Stadium (kick-off 3pm).

Mensah said: “It’s sore, but it’s happened before and as soon as it happened I knew what it was.

“I did it on my other leg in a youth team game two years ago at Watford.

“That was on my left side, this time it’s my right.

“It wouldn’t go back in that time and I ended up having to have surgery on it, but I know what it is and hopefully it’s not as bad as last time.

“I’ll have a scan on it, but hopefully it will go back in OK.

“The Watford physios have seen it before and if it can go straight back in then I’ll be fine to carry on playing.

“If it doesn’t go in then we’ll have to wait and see, but hopefully it will be alright.

“I’m hoping it’s not over for me here as I’ve really enjoyed playing here and I want to score more goals.

“Everyone has been saying positive things and I think it’s been going really well.”

While Mensah is an immediate doubt for the visit of Aldershot, Braintree boss Alan Devonshire is also sweating on the fitness of Alan Massey after the central defender picked up a foot injury in their game against Lincoln last weekend.

“It could be serious,” he said.

“Alan hurt his foot on Saturday and is having a scan so we won’t know until he’s had that how long he’ll be out.”

However, he is hopeful that striker Jordan Cox may return after a back injury.