There were dramatic scenes at Beatrice Avenue on Saturday afternoon when a Wessex League 1 fixture between East Cowes Vics and Andover Town was abandoned deep into injury time after an Andover player suffered a medical episode.
An entertaining and closely fought contest between the 2 sides was drawing to a close, when an Andover player, Jordan Smith, fell to the ground without contact with an opposition player.
After Jordan had been lying on the ground for some time, it appeared something serious was amiss and many suspected heat exhaustion. As the player was unable to raise himself off the ground, the referee was forced to abandon the fixture with 2 minutes of extra time left on the clock.
Jordan Smith was assisted off the pitch where he was tended to in a semi-conscious state by the Andover Town coaching staff and Vics secretary, Lisa Woodward. It was thought unwise for Jordan to attempt the journey back to the mainland with the rest of his team and an ambulance was requested.
It was later understood that the player had a pre-existing health condition that had remained dormant for some time, and that this may have caused his collapse.
Jordan Smith is believed to have spent Saturday night at St Mary’s Hospital, Newport.
It is currently unclear whether the result of the tie at full time will stand or whether the game will have to be replayed.
Wessex League results for Saturday 14th August:
Wessex Premier League: Brockenhurst 3-0 Cowes Sports
Wessex League 1: East Cowes Vics A-A Andover Town; Petersfield Town 1-4 Newport IW
Fixtures for Tuesday 17th August:
Wessex Premier League: Cowes Sports v Hamble Club (19.30)
Wessex League 1: Totton & Eling v Newport IW (19.45)
Fixture for Wednesday 18th August:
Wessex League 1: Fawley v East Cowes Vics (20.00)
Everybody at East Cowes Vics wishes the Andover player a speedy recovery and