BRECON Northcote have praised the actions of medical staff and the emergency services after a serious injury ended their Spar Mid Wales League Cup clash at Welshpool Town on Saturday.

Northcote player Luke Bowen sustained a double leg break 35 minutes into the Stags quarter-final clash at Maesydre.

The match was abandoned as Bowen was conveyed to Shrewsbury Hospital via the Wales Air Ambulance.

Northcote manager Anthony Thornley praised Welshpool Town physiotherapist Alan Williams for his swift action and insisted the incident had been an unfortunate accident.

“It was a simple accident in a well contested cup tie,” said Thornley. “I know Luke shook hands with the Welshpool player involved who has made lots of enquiries since. Nobody was to blame and the lad should not blame himself at all.”

Thornley singled out Welshpool physiotherapist Williams, nicknamed ‘999’ locally, for his role.

“Thankfully Alan is a trained paramedic and thank goodness he was there,” said Thornley. “Luke needed three canisters of gas and air to settle.

“The Air Ambulance arrived within 40 minutes and from injury to air lift was about an hour. Alan deserves a lot of credit.”

Bowen has since returned home following his operation and expressed thanks to all well wishers and Williams for his support.

Thornley said: “The club is extremely grateful to Alan and all the well wishers at Welshpool Town.

“Luke wants to thanks all the people who have taken the time to support him and we will be releasing a little video for social media when he a little better.”

“We have already spoken about doing something in the summer to raise money for the Air Ambulance as well. Saturday underlined how vital a service they provide.”

Spar Mid Wales League secretary Phil Woosnam also praised the swift action of Williams.

“The whole situation has shown what a fantastic football community we have in Mid Wales,” said Woosnam. “Full credit to Alan Williams.”