The captain faces six weeks out after scans confirm a hamstring tear suffered in the derby.
Northgate United have been dealt a significant blow with the news that captain Elias Ford faces six weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring injury sustained in the derby victory.
Scans confirmed a grade-two tear, ruling the midfielder out of four league fixtures and the cup quarter-final. It is a cruel setback for a player who has started every match this season.
The manager must now decide who wears the armband. Vice-captain Jonah Bell is the natural choice, while youngster Sam Okafor could be handed a run in the side after impressing off the bench.
Supporters will hope the squad depth built over the summer is enough to carry the leaders through a demanding autumn schedule.
