Armstrong on the mend after benefit boost

Fans, friends, family and former teammates of Paul Armstrong have raised more than £1,100 at a benefit day for the assistant manager at the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League's New Mills.

The 27-year-old sustained a compound fracture playing for New Mills in a Manchester Premier Cup quarter-final against Irlam in December and has been unable to work since after being left on crutches.

The popular Armstrong is on the road to recovery though after recently having his cast removed and a medical boot fitted. He is still unlikely to play again and is now set to concentrate on developing his coaching career alongside Millers manager Roy Soule.

The event at The Lancaster Club in Failsworth near Armstrong’s Oldham home took place on Sunday February 9 and was organised by Robert Fuller, Millers striker James Hampson and Avro FC's Rob Fuller, another friend and former teammate.

Fans were admitted free to the benefit and contributed to a series of fundraising events including a charity auction, raffle and karaoke before a four team football tournament kicked off with a number of former pros and teammates turning out to support Armstrong including Carlos Meakin, Carlos Roca, Kyle Jacobs, Mark Allott, Mark Innes, Tony Ellis and Mike Flynn.

The Millers, who went on to beat North West Counties League outfit Irlam 2-1 in the county cup tie, take on Hyde in the competition’s semi-final next Wednesday night with Armstrong expected to be in the dugout alongside Soule as they aim to reach the final.