Bexhill striker set to miss season

BEXHILL UNITED marksman Dave Williams is almost certain to miss the remainder of the football season after a near fatal accident.

The striker, who has netted four times in three games for the Sussex Division Three club, attempted to push open the door of the Royal William pub in Camber on Sunday evening, last week but both his hands went straight through the glass panel and the wire mesh within the glass ripped much of the skin off both his arms.

A friend had the foresight to remove his shirt to quell the blood loss and Williams was taken to Hastings' Conquest Hospital before being transferred to East Grinstead Hospital the following afternoon. He was detained in the special unit for five days and underwent a successful four hour operation.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The 21-year-old suffered 100 per cent muscle damage to his right arm and 50 per cent on his left, damaging tendons in both, which, had they been torn, could have denied him the use of his hands. No less than 60 stitches have been inserted to the wounds which are covered by splints.

Williams, who faces eight weeks in plaster, said: "I knew straight away I was in trouble. I must have lost about eight or nine pints of blood and it scared everyone who was involved in it because there was so much blood. I just felt all giddy and weak because of the blood loss. I'm feeling brilliant now but I can't do anything for four weeks."

"I hope I can get back and play this season. But if not then definitely next season. I hate missing football."

Manager Len Watkins added: "We sent him a card and we send him our sincerest condolences and hope to see him soon.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"It's a huge, huge blow. I don't think you can cover a player like that. Scoring goals will win you County Three and a player like that is going to score you 30 goals."

Meanwhile, Bexhill have strengthened their ranks at the other end of the pitch with the captures of former Sidley United goalkeeper Matt Shoesmith and Bexhill Athletic defender Dave Wareham whom Watkins says "will be one of the first names on the team sheet" once he attains full fitness.

Shoesmith is expected to come straight in for the Sussex Intermediate Cup first round clash at Mid Sussex League outfit Lindfield on Saturday October 17 as Aaron Heritage starts a 35-day suspension. Conrad Sparkes and Dan Antink return from bans.

Related topics: