Opponent saved my life, says knocked-out keeper

Published: 11 Dec 2011 - 17:17:03

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Opponent saved my life, says knocked-out keeper

Rochdale goalkeeper David Lucas, who was knocked unconscious in an English third division match against Sheffield United, credited quick-thinking opponent Richard Creswell for saving his life on Sunday.

The keeper collided with United defender Neill Collins just before half-time of Saturday's match and collapsed to the ground before Cresswell, Lucas's former Preston team-mate, put the 34-year-old into the recovery position to stop him swallowing his tongue.

"As dramatic as it sounds to say he saved my life, maybe he did," Lucas told the BBC.

"It was lucky on my part that someone as sensible and quick-thinking like 'Cressy' reacted as quickly as he did."

The keeper received medical treatment in his own penalty area as play was stopped for 10 minutes.

"I've been told Cressy put me in the recovery position and stopped me swallowing my tongue," said the goalkeeper in a League One game where his team lost 3-0.

"I only remember a free-kick outside of the box which came into the area and started curling away from me. I thought 'I've got to steady myself here and go in for the ball'.

"Then I knew I was down and the next thing I remember was the emergency staff putting a neck brace on me. So obviously I was knocked out for a few minutes."