Non-league star suffers horror facial fractures and left needing surgery after sickening challenge

A NON-LEAGUE star is set to go under the knife after suffering a horror facial injury. Dartford, who hosted a music event to celebrate 20 years at Princes Park, were condemned to a thumping 3-0 defeat by Welling United in the Isthmian Premier League yesterday. Joe Tennent is set for an operation after being left in a heap by Nahum Melvin-Lambert Credit: X The Dartford defender needs cheekbone reconstruction surgery Credit: X And Joe Tennent had to be substituted in the first half of the Kent minnows’ heavy loss. The defender, 28, was on the end of a sickening challenge from Welling man Nahum Melvin-Lambert. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! Physios rushed to Tennent’s aid after he was immediately seen writhing in agony. Dartford have shared footage of the incident, which led to Melvin-Lambert escaping with a booking, on social media. And the Darts have released a statement confirming they are considering taking action as Tennent prepares for an operation. It read: “Joe sustained displaced facial fractures and will undergo cheekbone reconstruction surgery on Wednesday. “We wish Joe and his family our very best and a speedy recovery. The club will explore official channels following the incident.” To make matters worse for Dartford, who have EFL icon Scott Wagstaff on their books, Melvin-Lambert went on to find the net in the second half. Most read in Sport SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET UP TO £100 BONUS Nathan Cooper and Fumnaya Shomotun were also on target as Welling bagged all three points. Dartford player-boss Ben Greenhalgh, who won the Champions League with Inter Milan, reckons the injury was a huge turning point. The ex-Como loanee, 34, said: “I think a really big, key part of today was losing Joe Tennent. “He’s obviously taken whatever it was to his head. He’s got a possible broken jaw. “It was a derby game so we knew there were going to be moments. I can’t blame the ref for the game. That has changed it but our second half performance was really poor. “We lost Joe and I’m not saying we capitulated but we went a bit off-script. Tennent took a whack from Melvin-Lambert Credit: X Dartford player-boss Ben Greenhalgh felt the injury impacted his side’s performance Credit: INSTAGRAM @bengreenhalgh17 “I am disappointed to lose Joe in that manner. I don’t know how it works from here onwards. “It didn’t seem like a concussion from what we’re told, but it’s a possible broken jaw that doesn’t sound good at all.” Comment now