Thousands of pounds have been raised to help support a non-league footballer who is unable to work after his leg was broken in two places during a match.

Jordan Wright suffered a fracture of both the tibia and fibula bones of his lower leg after a heavy tackle during Folkestone Invicta's fixture away at Bowers & Pitsea on Saturday afternoon.

The challenge, which happened in the opening minutes of the Isthmian Premier Division contest, left the self-employed Tenterden painter and decorator stricken on the pitch as staff from both clubs came to his aid and his fellow Invicta players were temporarily taken off the pitch.

"When it happened I didn’t want to look down as I knew it was bad," the 27-year-old defender said.

"It was so early into the game but I'm glad the lads decided to play on and got the win. It's a big three points towards securing a play-off spot.

"It's disappointing I won't be able to help the lads out in the run in, but I know they're capable of getting the job done and I'll be back to help them as soon as I can."

Wright, who has made more than 150 appearances for the Cheriton Road club, now faces an extended period of recuperation which will leave him unable to earn a living.

As a result, Folkestone fans, teammates and other well-wishers have quickly rallied round - donating more than £6,500 to an online fundraiser to help him through his recovery.

"The amount of love I've had from people had been overwhelming," he said.

"I can't thank everyone enough who has sent me messages or donated or helped in any way.

"My teammates, all our supporters and everyone at Bowers & Pitsea have been fantastic. Their physios were great helping our own Abi [Winstanley] treating me."

It is expected it could take three months for the leg to heal, and everyone at Invicta will be hoping Wright's recovery will be successful and he can return to the team in time for next season.

Commenting after Invicta's 3-2 victory, manager Neil Cugley said: "The injury was obviously a big disappointment.

"Their staff and people were very good about it, I am not saying the bloke meant to do it, I think it was a red card but I don’t think he intended to injure him or anything like that.

"It was early in the game, [players are] trying to show you are up for the game but I felt it was a clumsy tackle but we move on. I don’t think anyone at our standard goes out to try and injure someone."

There was a 15 minute delay and with the players off the field the opposition manager offered them the chance to call it off.

"I said to the payers, ‘what do you want to do?’ They said they wanted to go out and get a win for Jordan, which they did."

Click here to donate to Jordan's recovery fund