Chris Breach has revealed his relief at not breaking an ankle.

The in-form Lewes defender feared the worst after challenging Ebbsfleet's Michael Gash in Monday's 2-1 defeat.

He lay motionless on the floor for a couple of minutes before being carried off on a stretcher.

The injury was later diagnosed as a badly sprained left ankle rather than a break.

It was comforting news for the former Albion professional, although he is unlikely to play again this season.

Breach said: “I heard a clicking noise as I went down and because I was in shock I thought the worst.

“After an hour or so it calmed down and we knew it wasn't broken.

“I saw the physio on Wednesday and the swelling is limited.

“Ligaments take about three weeks to heal up. I reckon it is 50-50 whether I can play in the last game of the season.”

Breach would love one more run-out to complete what has been a pleasing first season with Lewes after joining last summer from Bognor.

It has been a learning curve at times and there have been games when a lack of pace has been exposed but overall Breach has impressed, particularly in the last couple of months when he has really come to the fore.

He was man-of-the-match against Weymouth last Saturday, capping an excellent defensive display with the only goal of the game.

The versatile Breach, who is comfortable with either foot, followed that with another classy showing at Ebbsfleet until his afternoon was cut short by injury.

He said: “I was pleased with the way I played on Saturday and Monday was going well until that point.

“A change of manager doesn’t make you play better but under Ibbo (Steve Ibbitson) I seem to be playing in one position and I can concentrate on that.”