Melksham Town’s Southern League Division One South fixture away at Exmouth Town on Saturday was abandoned by the referee after an accidental collision between team-mates Mark Cooper and Alex Hallett.
The incident occurred late in the first half at Southern Road, shortly after Exmouth had taken a 2-1 lead via a penalty.
Melksham captain Mark Cooper sustained a serious gash to his forehead and was promptly taken by ambulance to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, where he required 20 stitches.
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Melksham Town provided an update on their official Twitter account later that day: “Following the clash of heads between Alex Hallett and Mark Cooper earlier this afternoon which led to the abandonment of this afternoon’s game, we can issue the following update.
“Alex Hallett was taken to a local hospital for treatment and was able to return home on the team coach. Mark Cooper remains in hospital in Devon. He is in good spirits and appreciates the support from everyone.”
On Sunday morning, Cooper shared his own update on Twitter, stating: “Thank you all for the well wishes. Twenty stitches later, and home at 3.30 am after an eight-hour wait in Exeter hospital.
“I’ll be back at it in no time. Thank you to everyone at @ExmouthTown_FC who aided and helped me.”