A potentially worrying neck injury suffered by teenage talent Jonny Lockie saw Spalding United’s clash with Frickley Athletic abandoned on Tuesday night.
The Tulips were 2-0 down in the Evo-Stik NPL First Division South clash at the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field thanks to goals from Danny Burns (11) and Gavin Allott (78).
However, Spalding sub Lockie landed horribly on his neck with eight minutes left, forcing the referee to abandon the match. The striker was taken to hospital and eventually cleared of any serious injury.
He Tweeted: “Thanks for all the messages I really appreciate it! Got the all clear from the X-rays nothing serious, bruised, glued ear and a banging headache accompanied by a stiff neck and back!”
Frickley started well and were unlucky not to open the scoring in the first minute when Thomas Dugdale was unable to get a touch on a dangerous cross from the right.
At the other end, young striker Luke White fired Spalding’s first chance just wide after making a smart turn in the box following clever play from Gary King.
The deadlock was broken on 11 minutes when Frickley’s Ben Algar delivered a fine near-post corner for towering defender Burns to bury with his head.
It was very nearly 2-0 to the visitors on the half-hour, but Michael Duggan pulled off a splendid double save to deny Sam Liversedge – the first a smart reflex stop, with the second from point-blank range.
Five minutes before the break Spalding skipper King saw a close-range effort deflected just wide of the post as the hosts slowly came back into the game.
However, the Tulips were indebted to Duggan again moments later as he pulled off a flying save to keep out Jacob Hazel’s superb volley from just outside the area.
The second half started in a largely low key fashion. Frickley fired a warning shot when Liversedge cut in from the right and saw his low drive hit the outside of the post.
The visitors went close again soon after when winger Reece McGinley superbly collected a clearance from keeper Hugo Warhurst, beat a man and fired straight at Duggan. There was no denying
Frickley 12 minutes from time, however, as Allott tan onto a long ball over the top and beat Duggan to the ball – expertly diverting the ball into the corner of the empty net in the process.
Four minutes later Lockie’s injury saw the game come to an abrupt and upsetting halt, putting things into perspective.
The game will be replayed on Tuesday, March 27 (7.45pm).
Tulips chief Chris Rawlinson added: “All thoughts with Jonny tonight, credit to Frickley management team and match officials for ensuring players well being comes before results. Well done to all Spalding United players, officials, fans and volunteers who all waited around to see Jonny on to the ambulance.”
The Tulips host Belper Town on Saturday (3pm).
Tulips: Duggan, Fixter, Hugo, Davison (Floyd 82), Varley, Humble, Marshall, Brooks, King (Chipamaunga 82), White (Lockie 65), Acar. Not used: Havard, Smith.
Attendance: 112.
