FOOTBALL: Substitute Smith is air-lifted to hospital (From Witney Gazette)

FOOTBALL: Substitute Smith is air-lifted to hospital

3:08pm Tuesday 19th September 2006 in Local Football

Witney & District FA: Spartan Rangers A substitute Richard Smith was airlifted to hospital with what was thought to be a serious neck injury as their Division 3 encounter with Milton Res was abandoned on Saturday, writes Anthony Barlow.

Spartan were leading the game 5-0 with 15 minutes remaining when youngster Smith, who had only been on the field for five minutes, fell heavily after an aerial collision.

He left the field, then he collapsed and briefly lost con- sciousness.

After a paramedic car rushed to the scene, the air ambulance was called, and Smith, who was put in a neck brace, before being airlifted to the John Radcliffe Hospital, where he was later given the all-clear.

Elsewhere in Division 3, Bampton Town Res continued their superb start as they crushed Hanborough A 10-0.

Russ Land smashed a four-timer, with Liam Main, Wayne Booker, Simon Collins, Shaun Ferguson, Ian Bilton and Robbie Craddock completing the rout.

Chequers FC edged out Two Rivers 2-1, Scott Thompson grabbing both goals for the home side, with Jon Tillson replying.

Julian Evans netted twice as Hailey Res were held to a 2-2 draw by Wychwood Forest Res.

Dan Anstee and Nigel James hit back for Wychwood.

Southrop and Ducklington A fought out a 1-1 draw, Carl Indge netting for Southrop and Dan Walker replying.