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Game off after player collapses
ACCRINGTON STANLEY defender Tom Bender was rushed to hospital on a drip last night after being knocked out by his own goalkeeper.
Bender, 18, a Welsh Under-21 international, was treated on the pitch for 30 minutes during the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy second-round game with Tranmere after he was left unconscious. He was taken away in an ambulance for a brain scan at Blackburn hospital, where he was given the all-clear. The match at Accrington was abandoned with Tranmere leading 2-1.
Bender was caught in a collision between Stanley goalkeeper Ian Dunbavin and Tranmere’s Lucas Akin in the 38th minute
Bender was caught in a collision between Stanley goalkeeper Ian Dunbavin and Tranmere’s Lucas Akin in the 38th minute. Accrington manager John Coleman said: “Their striker was trying to get the ball. He was eager and it led to Tom’s momentum going on to a full-blooded punch from Bavs.
“The fact Tom didn’t move when he hit the floor is a concern. Our physio admitted it was scary.
“We just had to wait for the ambulance to arrive, which obviously took some time. His dad was here watching.”