AFC Wimbledon's all-action striker Richard Butler is refusing to give up on his season despite suffering his second serious injury of the campaign against Staines Town on Monday.

The fans' favourite was stretchered off with suspected torn ankle ligaments midway through the second half of the 1-1 draw with Steve Cordery's side after a crunching challenge with centre-back Adam Thompson left Butler in agony.

It summed up a disastrous day for the Dons. Their second stalemate in three days - after a goaless draw at Boreham Wood on Saturday - leaves them in danger of slipping out of the play-off places after dropping two valuable points. Butler had only just made his long-awaited comeback from a groin injury that had kept him out of most of the season.

The 22-year-old showed Dave Anderson what he had been missing by scoring on his return as a second-half substitute at Leyton.

He made it two goals in two games in the 9-0 demolition of Slough Town, enough to earn him a starting role against Staines.

Butler admits his campaign looks finished but, in typically determined fashion, is not giving up hope of donning a Dons shirt again this season.

He said: "It just sums up my season. I got my first start and was ready to take my chance.

"I lasted 60 minutes but I think my season is over now - I suppose you get years like that.

"I will see physio Mike Rayner on Thursday to find out the full extent, then take it from there.

"It's bitterly disappointing after finally getting myself back in the fold.

"I could be out for a couple of weeks or it could be a year - I have not got a clue how serious it is.

"I'll see how it reacts this week and take it from there."

Butler said he knew straightaway the injury was serious.

"As soon as he hit me, I felt the shudder go up my leg but, to be honest, the longer I was on the floor, the easier the pain got," he said.

"Don't get me wrong, though. It was very painful.

"I was stretching for the ball - it was a 70/30 tackle and I did not get enough of my body behind the tackle."

Anderson was in no doubt what the ailment meant for his energetic striker, adding: "We think it's torn ankle ligaments but, whatever it is, his season is finished. I am distraught for him, like I would be for all my players because they give me everything.

"That is just how his season has gone - it's a massive blow for us and for him because he has worked so hard to get fit again."