Bender discharged from hospital

05 October 2011 17:05

Accrington defender Tom Bender has been released from hospital.

The 18-year-old, who is on loan from Colchester, is now recovering at home after he was stretchered off with severe concussion during Tuesday night's Johnstone's Paint Trophy clash with Tranmere.

Bender needed 30 minutes of treatment on the pitch, including oxygen and a drip, before an ambulance took him to hospital for a brain scan, following a horrific collision with his team-mate Ian Dunbavin.

The match, which Tranmere were leading 2-1, had to be abandoned.

Being released from hospital is more good news for Bender and his family, with his father Lee having earlier released a statement thanking both clubs and the authorities for their help.

He said: "Tom's okay. He's in good spirits. He doesn't remember too much about it but that's nothing unusual!

"I'm just glad I was here really. I don't think he knew much about it, though. He certainly didn't acknowledge me in the hospital, he recognised his team-mate Kurtis Guthrie more than me.

"It was just a comfort to me, my wife and my family that I was able to be with him.

"The medical care he got was absolutely superb. I'd like to thank everyone from Accrington and from Tranmere and the medical staff. We couldn't have wished for any more. The players and management teams from both sides were great and everyone at Colchester has been brilliant too."

The incident happened when Bender collided with Dunbavin as the goalkeeper came out to clear a ball into the box in the 38th minute. Bender was knocked out and needed half-an-hour of treatment on the pitch, before an ambulance took him to Blackburn Hospital for a scan on his head.

Source: PA