Popular midfielder on the mend

The Ravens sent their thanks after reporting that their midfielder had been released from Liverpool's Fazakerley hospital a few hours after suffering a suspected neck injury and concussion.

Relieved officials called the news that the 23-year-old had been given the all clear by medics as better than the three points they'd picked up in the EVO-STIK NPL top flight clash.

Troke, last season's fans' player of the year at Owen Street, was hurt a minute before full-time in an accidental collision with Skem keeper Martin Fearon, pictured, with his side leading 2-1 at Stormy Corner.

With cautious medics attending to the former Notts County, Eastwood Town, Grantham and Carlton Town player on the pitch before the arrival of an ambulance and doctor, the midweek match was in danger of being abandoned. In the end, the 58 seconds left on the referee's watch did not get underway for over an hour and were finally played soon after 10.30pm.

The Ravens said: "Following the injury suffered by Alex Troke at the end of last night's game at Skelmersdale we are pleased to report that he was discharged from hospital in the early hours of this morning and is now at home recovering. There was some concern last night regarding his condition following an assessment by the paramedics at the ground but a scan at the hospital gave him the all clear.

"We would like to thank the assistance given by the Skelmersdale medical staff and also thank their directors, players and supporters for the concern shown. We would also like to thank the other clubs, supporters, and league officials from the NPL and the wider football world for their messages they have sent."

Images courtesy of John Driscoll

Follow us: @evostikleague on Twitter | Facebook www.facebook.com/evostikleague | The NPL Facebook Group www.facebook.com/groups/TheNPL/