Rivals thanked for helping stricken star

Stourbridge's officials have written to Matlock Town to thank their EVO-STIK Northern Premier League rivals for coming to the aid of Ben Billingham.

The midfielder, pictured leading out the Glassboys in the FA Cup against Stevenage, had made more than 250 appearances for the Glassboys before suffering a dislocation and double fracture of his ankle during last Saturday's 4-1 Premier Division win for the Gladiators at the Autoworld Arena.

Following an operation at hospital in Chesterfield on Saturday night to correct the dislocation and another one on Sunday morning to insert a plate, the 25-year-old is now on the road to recovery after being allowed home on Monday.

He is expected to be on crutches for a minimum of six to eight weeks before the net stage of his treatment is considered and officials at the War Memorial Ground are hoping he will eventually return to the game.

In their letter to their top flight rivals, Stourbridge's secretary Clive Eades wrote: "On behalf of Stourbridge FC, can I please thank everyone connected with Matlock Town FC for their concern, presence of mind and assistance, both during the immediate incident, and over the remainder of the match, and afterwards in the social club.

"In particular, can you please let your physio know the update on Ben’s condition as his help and assistance at the time, and also covering whilst Richard Drewett was with Ben and the paramedics outside of the ground, was phenomenal.

"As a club, we've been inundated with good luck messages for Ben from clubs within the Evo-Stik League and outside of it, which goes to show how close the 'Non-League family' are, and Ben is amazed at the sheer number of messages he has received, from across the country."

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