MESSAGES OF SUPPORT FLOOD IN AS GROVE MATCH IS CALLED OFF AFTER MALBON COLLAPSES ON THE PITCH
KIDSGROVE ATHLETIC’S home game against Avro was abandoned in the 81st minute after the club’s record scorer Anthony Malbon collapsed on the pitch.
The score was 0-0 at the time in the Northern Premier League West Division clash and Malbon had only been involved for 10 minutes after coming on as a substitute.
Malbon confirmed he had a seizure, but was swiftly dealt with by medical staff.
Malbon posted on X, formerly known as Twitter: Would just like to thank everyone at @Avrofc for today!
“I can’t explain how grateful I am. And to everyone at @Officialkafc as well! I’ve had seizure on the pitch and got to get myself sorted! Will reply to everyone’s messages when I can but I’m overwhelmed with them all.”
Kidsgrove Athletic posted on Saturday night: “Following this afternoon’s on-pitch collapse of Anthony Malbon we have been informed he is conscious and talking.
“We would once again thank everyone for their concern and support. I’m sure you will join with us in wishing Malbiniho a full and speedy recovery.
“We would like to thank @ Avrofc for their support and understanding this afternoon, see you again soon.”
Grove manager Scott Dundas said: “Thanks to the @Avrofc players and physio @Leeskristina today. Absolutely top drawer working along side our very own little gem @amybuckle03 - nonleague at its best.
“Malbs is responsive and awaiting further tests. Thank you all for your concern.”
Avro added: “Everyone at Avro would like to send their best wishes to the @Officialkafcvplayer who took ill during today’s fixture and wish them a very speedy recovery.”
LEEK TOWN were held to a 2-2 draw by Vauxhall Motors in the West Division at the F. Ball Community Stadium following a late equaliser.
The Blues had an excellent 1-0 victory at promotion rivals Prescot Cables in midweek and took the lead in this game in just the second minute.
A great team move saw Marc Grocott send over a low cross for Tom Carr to find the net from close range with his 11th goal of the season.
Rob Stevenson went close to a second goal with a shot that was saved by Alex Brown.
Vauxhall then hit back and had a few chances before levelling matters in the 34th minute.
Vauxhall swung over a corner that Dino Visser missed and the ball hit Lucas Weir and dropped over the line for an unfortunate own goal.
Seven minutes later Leek were back in front when Louis Keenan sent over a dangerous cross and Weir volleyed the ball home to make quick amends for his own goal.
Both sides had chances to score but it was Vauxhall who conjured up an 88th-minute equaliser when former Sandbach striker Bobbie Mcdonnell struck a right-footed shot into the far corner.
The result extends Leek’s unbeaten to run to 14 games, 12 of them wins, and leaves them nine points clear at the top of the table.
HANLEY TOWN picked up an excellent point from a 1-1 draw at third-placed Prescot Cables.
Prescot went close in the third minute when Kyle Sambor fired a shot into the side netting.
The home side took the lead on the half-hour mark when a loose ball fell to Matty Devine in the Hanley penalty area and he fired a shot past Adam Whitehouse to put his side into the lead.
Hanley were level six minutes later. Adam Watson chased a ball that was seemingly heading out of play and sent over a cross that was hammered into the net by Dylan Scott, making his debut for the club on loan from Burton Albion.
Tyrone Ofori shot wide for Hanley but Prescot almost took the points late on only for Whitehouse to make an excellent save from Nathan Koehler.
NEWCASTLE TOWN slipped to a 2-1 defeat at Trafford despite taking the lead.
Castle did indeed take the lead in the 28th minute. Isaac Graham played a good through ball to Jake Avery and from inside his own half he raced clear before firing a fine effort past the advancing Sam Booth for his fifth goal in successive games.
Trafford restored parity five minutes before the break. Sean
Higgins had a shot hacked off the line for a corner, and from the flag kick the referee awarded a penalty for handball.
Eddie Servuts made no mistake to level the scores.
Trafford were awarded a second penalty in the 56th minute when Damola Sotona was tripped in the area.
Servuts took it but Joe Slinn made a superb save, diving to his left to hold it.
Avery was then denied by Booth but Trafford snatched the winner with eight minutes remaining. Eoin Hogan sent over a huge chip from the right, which caught the wind and dropped over Slinn and into the far corner.
NANTWICH TOWN also took the lead at Bootle but were eventually beaten 3-1.
The Dabbers were ahead after just three minutes when Joel Connolly drove into the box to enable Kai Evans to poke the ball home from close range.
Callum Saunders had a shot saved by Tony Thompson as Nantwich sought a second goal, but Bootle were level three minutes before half time. Michael Burkey had an effort scrambled away, but the referee deemed that the ball had crossed the line.
Three minutes after the break Ben Hodkinson lobbed Nantwich keeper Scott Moloney only for his effort to thud against the crossbar.
Less than a minute later though Bootle were ahead when Hodkinson laid the ball off for Burkey to notch his second goal.
Bootle were awarded a penalty in the 73rd minute when Moloney tripped Hodkinson, but the fouled player hit the spot-kick against the bar.
Byron Harrison had a shot parried but Bootle made the game safe with a third goal in the 77th minute.
Burkey made progress into the box before curling a fine effort into the net to complete his hat-trick.
STAFFORD RANGERS picked up an excellent point from a 1-1 draw at second placed Hyde United in the Northern Premier League top flight.
The Boro began the game well