After Boston United’s 1-0 win against Sutton United on Saturday, manager Paul Hurst revealed his side have suffered an injury blow to a crucial player heading into the last few months of the season, as they battle against the drop.
Hurst revealed that striker Lenell John-Lewis’ injury could see him miss the remaining months of the season. The striker was replaced in their victory at Boreham Wood, having converted a penalty to bring them level five minutes before.
Speaking to BBC Radio Lincolnshire, the Pilgrims manager confirmed the extent of the striker’s injury:
“He’s done his metatarsal, so he’s in a boot, and I think he’s got four weeks in that and then there’ll be a process after it”.
“Unfortunately, at the moment, four weeks is long enough, but it’s longer than that. We’re hopeful to get him back before the end of the season. For how many games, we’re not too sure, and again, all of that will depend on how it heals.”
The injury is a huge blow to the Lincolnshire side, who are currently fighting to avoid relegation from the National League for a second consecutive season.
How has Lenell John-Lewis fared this season for Boston United?
John-Lewis joined Boston in the summer on a free transfer from fellow National League side York City. The 36-year-old has impressed so far this season and has been a significant reason why his side has only spent one game week in the relegation zone.
The striker has made 33 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring 13 goals. He has come into form recently, having found the back of the net five times in his last eight appearances.
His goals have had an important influence on Boston’s points total so far this season as well. John-Lewis’ goals have contributed to his side picking up 14 points this campaign and have made up for the long-term absence of striker Jacob Hazel, who was their top scorer last season.
How big a blow is Lenell John-Lewis’ injury to Boston United?
The injury to the striker is a significant blow to Boston in their aim of securing their National League status for next season. His impact on the team was highlighted in a question asked in an exclusive interview with Boston’s previous manager, Graham Coughlan, on the National League Lowdown podcast:
“He was brought in because of his character, his resilience, and his qualities. He can link the play, he can hold the ball up, he can bring other people into play.”
“He’s vastly experienced, when things are not going well, he’s another one that will put an arm around and talk to these young lads in the changing room.”
John-Lewis’ impact on this Boston side isn’t just in his goalscoring ability. His experience can be a significant factor in the Pilgrims’ ability to see out a narrow lead in games.
The striker is currently the club’s top scorer this season and has contributed to 28% of Paul Hurst’s side’s goals. His work off the ball is a significant reason why Boston have managed to keep themselves above the relegation zone for the majority of the season.
According to Sofascore, John-Lewis has won an average of 9.3 duels and 4.6 aerial duels per 90 minutes. The possibility of the striker’s absence for the remainder of the season could have an impact on their ability to win 1v1 duels during their games.
Can Boston United avoid relegation?
The Pilgrims find themselves in 15th position in the division on 33 points. Back-to-back wins have given them a five-point buffer to the relegation zone, albeit having played more games than those teams around them.
Since his appointment, Paul Hurst has taken seven points from a possible twelve. Should his side maintain this level of form, they should have enough to steer themselves clear of the relegation fight.
Where Boston finish at the end of the season could depend on how they do in crucial games against the likes of Gateshead, Altrincham, and Truro City. They will have to hope that their new signing, Tom Cursons, can replace the goals they will lose in Lenell John-Lewis’ absence.