Accrington defender Tom Bender 'in good spirits' after match abandoned due to injury
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Your support makes all the difference.Accrington defender Tom Bender has been released from hospital.
The 18-year-old, who is on loan from Colchester, is now recovering at home after he was stretchered off with severe concussion during Tuesday night's Johnstone's Paint Trophy clash with Tranmere.
Bender needed 30 minutes of treatment on the pitch, including oxygen and a drip, before an ambulance took him to hospital for a brain scan, following a horrific collision with his team-mate Ian Dunbavin.
The match, which Tranmere were leading 2-1, had to be abandoned.
Being released from hospital is more good news for Bender and his family, with his father Lee having earlier released a statement thanking both clubs and the authorities for their help.
He said: "Tom's okay. He's in good spirits. He doesn't remember too much about it but that's nothing unusual!
"I'm just glad I was here really. I don't think he knew much about it, though. He certainly didn't acknowledge me in the hospital, he recognised his team-mate Kurtis Guthrie more than me.
"It was just a comfort to me, my wife and my family that I was able to be with him.
"The medical care he got was absolutely superb. I'd like to thank everyone from Accrington and from Tranmere and the medical staff.
"We couldn't have wished for any more. The players and management teams from both sides were great and everyone at Colchester has been brilliant too.
"We're just waiting to find out from the doctors when they are going to release him from the hospital and when he's available to come back for training and selection for the first team."
The incident happened when Bender collided with Dunbavin as the goalkeeper came out to clear a ball into the box in the 38th minute.
Bender was knocked out and needed half-an-hour of treatment on the pitch, before an ambulance took him to Blackburn Hospital for a scan on his head.
A spokesman at the hospital said this morning: "Mr Bender is comfortable and waiting to see the medic for assessment."
Stanley chief executive Rob Heys visited the player in hospital last night and this morning said: "He regained consciousness last night and was in a stable condition. He was in good spirits when I left."
Bender joined Accrington last month on a season-long loan deal and made his debut as a substitute against Barnet, on September 3. His first career start came in a 3-2 defeat of Carlisle in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy the following week.
He has also represented Wales at Under-17, Under-19 and Under-21 level - coming on as a substitute in the latter's match against Hungary last month.
PA
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